French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is facing a political showdown in parliament as he attempts to govern with a deeply divided legislature.1 This crisis is a direct result of President Emmanuel Macron’s decision in mid-2024 to call a snap election, which backfired and created a hung parliament.2
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues:
- Political Instability: The French government has been in a state of chaos.3 Lecornu is the latest in a series of prime ministers appointed by Macron, with two of his immediate predecessors, Michel Barnier and François Bayrou, being ousted in votes of no confidence over budget disputes.4 Lecornu himself resigned only to be re-appointed days later, highlighting the extreme political fragility.5
- Motions of No Confidence: The opposition has been quick to challenge Lecornu.6 Both the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) and the far-right National Rally have filed motions to topple his new government.7 While the Socialist party has not backed these specific motions, they have warned they will file their own if Lecornu does not suspend an unpopular 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.8
- The Budget Challenge: A major point of contention is the 2026 budget.9 France is facing a significant debt burden, and the government is under pressure to approve a budget that aims to bring the deficit below five percent of GDP.10 Passing this budget will be an uphill battle, as the previous government collapsed over a similar austerity plan.11
- A Divided Parliament: The parliament is split into three main blocs: Macron’s centrist alliance, the left-wing New Popular Front, and the far-right National Rally.12 No single bloc has a majority, making it nearly impossible for any government to pass legislation without cross-party support.13 This political gridlock has led to calls for new elections or even Macron’s resignation.14
- Macron’s Stance: President Macron has blamed his political rivals for the “chaos” and instability.15 He has publicly urged them to work towards a stable government, but has so far resisted calls to dissolve parliament or resign himself. His approval ratings are at a historic low, and his ability to govern for the remainder of his term, which ends in 2027, is in question.
