Emmanuel Macron Faces His Toughest Political Test Yet
After eight turbulent years in power, once hailed as the “master of the clocks,” French President Emmanuel Macron now fights to retain control as France plunges deeper into political crisis. His third prime minister resigning in less than a year and opinion polls showing nearly three-quarters of French electors are calling for him to step down. Macron’s authority has never appeared more fragile.
A Presidency in Crisis
The latest kick was that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned after just 26 days. He blamed the “immovable stance” of France’s fractured political parties. Lecornu’s resignation follows a series of brief governments since both Michel Barnier and François Bayrou failed to survive parliamentary confidence votes after attempting to introduce austerity policies to curb France’s runaway public debt.
France’s level of debt stands at €3.34 trillion, nearly 114% of GDP. Making it third-highest in the Eurozone, following Greece and Italy. The 2025 5.4% budget deficit predicted has become a political bomb that has shattered the fragile coalitions that previously sustained Macron’s centrist majority.
Macron’s Options Narrow
Macron gave Lecornu 48 hours to negotiate a “platform of action and stability” with other groups. Alternatively, Macron has four equally daunting choices:
1. Form a new coalition government by combining centrists and moderate conservatives.
2. Appoint a technocrat prime minister, as suggested by old friend Édouard Philippe.
3. Dissolve parliament and call snap elections — a move that could hand a triumph to Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN).
4. Early resignation and triggering presidential elections — something Macron has so far ruled out.
Pundits predict that a snap election would benefit Le Pen and her 29-year-old protégé Jordan Bardella. Both of whom have rejected Lecornu’s invitation to talk.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s hard-left France Unbowed coalition insists on impeaching Macron.
Political Isolation and Public Discontent
Macron’s popularity ratings have plummeted through the floor, and protests break out on a weekly basis against his government’s economic reform and handling of public finances. Even the leader of Macron’s own Renaissance party, Gabriel Attal, has voiced frustration, saying he “no longer understands the president’s decisions.”.
While Macron is said to have walked thoughtfully along the Seine River following Lecornu’s resignation, the photo summed up France’s mood — an isolated leader, struggling with his declining power and an agitated country.
A Race Against Time
With just 18 months left in his mandate, Macron’s mission is clear:
Restore political stability
End France’s debt crisis
Prevent the far-right from capitalizing on anarchy
But as his grip on power starts to slip, the politician who used to rule France’s clock now is out of time.
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