PARIS (France): French President Emmanuel Macron is racing against time to appoint a new prime minister within two days after the resignation of outgoing premier Sebastien Lecornu plunged the nation deeper into crisis.
The presidency said Macron will announce his choice by Friday evening, following Lecornu’s departure on Monday after less than a month in office. His exit has intensified political uncertainty in one of the European Union’s key members.
In an interview with French television, Lecornu said he expected Macron to appoint a new premier rather than call for early legislative elections or resign.
The resignation follows months of political gridlock over an austerity budget that saw Lecornu’s two predecessors ousted by parliament in clashes over the spending plan.
“The president will name a prime minister within 48 hours,” the presidency said in a statement, adding that a “path was possible” to agree on a budget by year-end.
No name has been revealed for the post, though Lecornu’s possible reappointment has not been ruled out. If replaced, the new prime minister will be the eighth of Macron’s presidency.
The political upheaval marks one of Macron’s most serious challenges since taking office in 2017, with several allies reportedly distancing themselves from him.
Lecornu said he advised Macron that prospects for snap elections had diminished, as most lawmakers opposed dissolving parliament. He dismissed calls by former premier Edouard Philippe for Macron to resign, saying the president should complete his term until 2027.
“It is not the time to change the president,” Lecornu said, stressing that the head of state does not vote on the national budget.
He suggested a more technocratic government may be needed, saying the next cabinet should focus on solving problems rather than pursuing political ambitions.
“The situation is already difficult enough. We need a team ready to roll up its sleeves and work until the presidential election,” he said.
Lecornu also urged for a national debate on reversing the controversial pension age reform but warned that suspending the measure would cost the government at least three billion euros by 2027.
As political factions position themselves, far-right leader Marine Le Pen vowed to oppose all government initiatives, declaring her party would “vote against everything”.
Analysts say the next prime minister will face the same challenges that toppled Lecornu and his predecessors Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou, as Macron’s centrist coalition continues to lack a parliamentary majority.
With Macron barred from seeking a third term, political observers say the unfolding crisis could shape the race for France’s 2027 presidential election.-AFP
