What's happened
French President Macron reappointed Prime Minister Lecornu after Lecornu's brief resignation, aiming to resolve a political crisis caused by a hung parliament and economic challenges. Lecornu's return aims to form a government and pass a budget amid opposition and market concerns. The crisis stems from Macron's dissolution of the National Assembly in 2024.
What's behind the headline?
Macron's gamble in dissolving the National Assembly backfired, leading to a hung parliament and political paralysis. Reappointing Lecornu, who resigned days earlier, underscores Macron's limited options and the depth of the crisis. The reappointment signals Macron's reluctance to call fresh elections, risking further alienation from opposition parties and voters. The economic stakes are high: France's ballooning debt and high poverty rate threaten fiscal stability, and market reactions reflect investor concern. Macron's inability to form a stable government will likely prolong the deadlock, impede reforms, and deepen political polarization. The far-right's rising influence, with Marine Le Pen's potential candidacy in 2027, adds to the uncertainty. Macron's leadership is now under intense scrutiny, and his next moves will determine whether France can escape this crisis or slide further into instability.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights Macron's political miscalculations and the market panic following Lecornu’s reappointment, emphasizing the ongoing deadlock and economic risks. The New Arab notes the unpredictability of Macron's decisions and the widespread dissatisfaction among political parties, with some calling for Macron to resign or hold new elections. Both sources agree that Macron's reappointment of Lecornu, after his resignation, reflects a lack of viable alternatives and deepening political fragmentation. They differ slightly in tone: The Independent focuses on the economic and political consequences, while The New Arab emphasizes the internal political dissatisfaction and Macron's perceived disconnection from party leaders. Overall, both portray a government struggling to regain stability amid mounting crises.
How we got here
Macron's decision in June 2024 to dissolve the National Assembly led to snap elections that resulted in a hung parliament, with no majority. This deadlock has stalled efforts to address France's rising public debt, which reached 114% of GDP in early 2025, and high poverty levels. Macron's signature pension reform, raising retirement age from 62 to 64, remains highly unpopular. The political impasse has caused successive government collapses, market instability, and increased polarization, with opposition parties demanding new elections or Macron's resignation.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did Macron Reappoint Lecornu as France’s Prime Minister?
French President Emmanuel Macron's decision to reappoint Sebastien Lecornu as Prime Minister has sparked widespread discussion. This move comes amid a political deadlock and economic challenges facing France. Many are asking what this means for the country's future and how Macron's government plans to navigate the crisis. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Macron's reappointment and its implications for France.
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What Do France's Political Struggles Mean for Global Stability?
France's ongoing political deadlock, highlighted by Macron's reappointment of Lecornu amid economic and governance crises, raises questions about regional and global stability. As France grapples with economic challenges and political paralysis, it prompts us to consider how such internal struggles can influence international relations and stability worldwide. Similarly, tensions in Latin America, especially between the US and Colombia over Caribbean security, reflect broader regional conflicts that can have ripple effects globally. Here, we explore what these developments mean for the world and what to watch for in international diplomacy.
More on these topics
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.