PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron is facing increasing pressure to resign as political instability continues to engulf his government, marked by the recent collapse of his latest cabinet. This turmoil was underscored on Tuesday when two of his former prime ministers, Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, publicly distanced themselves from him amid growing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
Édouard Philippe, who served as Macron's first prime minister from 2017, and Gabriel Attal, appointed as prime minister in January 2024 during Macron's second term, have conveyed their frustrations with the president's decisions. Attal specifically expressed his confusion regarding Macron's controversial choice in June 2024 to dissolve the National Assembly, a key factor leading to the current political crisis.
The deteriorating authority of Macron is evident as political turmoil has gripped France for over a year. The dissolution of the National Assembly triggered new elections, resulting in a Parliament comprised primarily of opponents to Macron's agenda. These adversaries have been pivotal in dismantling his minority governments one after another.
Attal’s criticism came to the forefront on Monday when he spoke to TF1, noting, “Like many French people, I no longer understand the president’s decisions.” Following this, Philippe asserted on Tuesday that Macron should not prolong the current situation, recommending that he call for early presidential elections after the National Assembly approves the 2026 budget. Macron, however, has previously stated his intention to serve out his term, which ends in 2027.
The latest developments in the crisis began with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s abrupt resignation on Monday, marking the fourth prime minister to depart since the National Assembly’s dissolution. After Lecornu's resignation, Macron extended a brief period for further negotiations, hoping to stabilize the government and maintain some semblance of order during this political impasse. Lecornu engaged with members of the Socle Commun, a coalition of conservatives and centrists initially supportive of Macron, which subsequently fractured after Lecornu announced a new cabinet.
Compounding the challenges, Lecornu’s government collapsed within just 14 hours after conservative leader Bruno Retailleau withdrew his support. Macron is currently faced with record-low approval ratings and has not publicly indicated his next course of action, while various political factions suggest he consider three potential options: resigning, calling new elections, or appointing a prime minister from outside his political circle, a scenario suggested by left-wing parties.
The left-wing coalition, known as the New Popular Front, had recently won the most seats in the 2024 French legislative election, though they failed to secure a majority. Internal discord now exists within this coalition, particularly between the socialists, the communists, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s far-left party, France Unbowed. Green party leader Marine Tondelier has encouraged the option of cohabitation, suggesting that a shift in responsibility could allow for necessary changes to improve the lives of French citizens.
On the opposite end of the political spectrum, the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, is advocating for immediate elections. Polling suggests that the National Rally is currently leading, and they claim that new legislative elections could be beneficial to their cause. National Rally president Jordan Bardella urged Macron to listen to the struggles of the populace and dissolve the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for the French people to select a new majority.
Many French citizens express discontent with the ongoing political situation. Guillaume Glade, a 36-year-old worker, remarked on the state of the Fifth Republic by stating, “It feels like it’s on life support, and maybe we need to rethink things.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the cracks within the political system and a desire for significant change.
