Emmanuel Macron should name a prime minister to push through a budget and then call early presidential elections to solve France's political crisis, according to his first prime minister, Édouard Philippe. Philippe's comments follow the resignation of France's third prime minister in a year, Sébastien Lecornu, after his government formation attempt collapsed. Macron has sought stability from Lecornu, expecting a plan by Wednesday, but support seems to be dwindling even among allies.
Philippe, who served as prime minister from 2017-20 and now heads the centrist Horizons party, emphasized that while he does not support Macron’s immediate resignation, the president must fulfill his mandate. Meanwhile, Gabriel Attal, the current leader of Macron's Renaissance party, expressed confusion over the president's recent decisions and suggested a need for shared power with other parties.
Pressure for Macron’s resignation has primarily stemmed from political opponents on the radical left and hard right, but recent statements from allies indicate how severe the crisis has become. Macron, in office since 2017, was spotted walking alone in Paris on Monday, underscoring the somber mood surrounding his administration.
Philippe articulated the views of many who believe that Macron should name a prime minister capable of navigating the budget and restoring institutional integrity. He rejected calls for an abrupt resignation, fearing it would hinder future elections.
Despite ongoing political challenges, Macron's entourage hinted he would take responsibility for the situation should Lecornu's latest discussions fail. His centrist bloc lost its parliamentary majority following a snap election prompted by a European Parliament defeat, complicating attempts to manage France's rising public debt.
The ongoing crisis has eroded Macron's popularity, with a recent survey revealing that 53% of respondents believe he should step down. Signs of unrest included a van igniting on a street close to the prime minister's residence, symbolizing the turmoil enveloping French politics.
Philippe, who served as prime minister from 2017-20 and now heads the centrist Horizons party, emphasized that while he does not support Macron’s immediate resignation, the president must fulfill his mandate. Meanwhile, Gabriel Attal, the current leader of Macron's Renaissance party, expressed confusion over the president's recent decisions and suggested a need for shared power with other parties.
Pressure for Macron’s resignation has primarily stemmed from political opponents on the radical left and hard right, but recent statements from allies indicate how severe the crisis has become. Macron, in office since 2017, was spotted walking alone in Paris on Monday, underscoring the somber mood surrounding his administration.
Philippe articulated the views of many who believe that Macron should name a prime minister capable of navigating the budget and restoring institutional integrity. He rejected calls for an abrupt resignation, fearing it would hinder future elections.
Despite ongoing political challenges, Macron's entourage hinted he would take responsibility for the situation should Lecornu's latest discussions fail. His centrist bloc lost its parliamentary majority following a snap election prompted by a European Parliament defeat, complicating attempts to manage France's rising public debt.
The ongoing crisis has eroded Macron's popularity, with a recent survey revealing that 53% of respondents believe he should step down. Signs of unrest included a van igniting on a street close to the prime minister's residence, symbolizing the turmoil enveloping French politics.
