French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is racing against time to assemble a new government after losing support from key allies, deepening political uncertainty ahead of a critical budget deadline. The crisis stems from President Emmanuel Macron’s snap elections last year, which backfired by creating a hung parliament and strengthening far-right influence.
Budget Deadline Looms
Lecornu, reappointed just four days after resigning, must present a 2026 draft budget by Tuesday to meet constitutional requirements. However, the withdrawal of support from the right-wing Republicans (LR) party has complicated efforts. LR announced it would only cooperate on a "bill-by-bill" basis rather than join the government.
Macron’s Leadership Tested
President Macron, facing his most severe domestic challenge since 2017, has remained silent since Lecornu’s initial government collapsed. His upcoming diplomatic trip to Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks risks further delaying budget negotiations. Analysts warn that failure to pass a budget could destabilize France’s fiscal credibility amid EU pressure to curb its €3 trillion debt.
Cross-Party Tensions Rise
Lecornu has vowed to collaborate with mainstream parties and appoint ministers "not imprisoned by parties," but faces opposition from leftist groups demanding reversals of contentious pension reforms. While the premier signaled openness to revisiting retirement age policies, he emphasized restoring public finances as a priority.
Political observers describe this as a make-or-break moment for Macron’s centrist agenda, with Lecornu’s ability to navigate parliamentary fractures likely shaping France’s economic trajectory and EU relations.
