Outgoing French PM Launches Last-Gasp Bid to Quell Political Crisis
PARIS — In a desperate bid to salvage his government's future, outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu embarked on a last-ditch effort Tuesday to secure cross-party support and chart a path out of France's deepening political crisis.
Lecornu's 14-hour administration, which was the shortest in modern French history, had been rejected by allies and rivals alike when they refused to back his proposed cabinet. The snub sparked widespread outrage and further exacerbated the crisis that has plagued President Emmanuel Macron since the 2024 snap elections.
In a surprise move, Lecornu accepted an invitation from Macron to hold talks with parliamentary figures in a bid to find a way out of the deadlock. The two-day meeting, which began Tuesday morning, will see Lecornu meet with several members of the conservative Republique En Marche party, including its leader, Christophe Castaner.
"We are at a critical juncture," said Castaner, who has been a vocal critic of Macron's government. "The Prime Minister's resignation was a necessary step, but now we need to find a way forward that will allow us to govern effectively."
Lecornu's decision to hold talks with parliamentary figures has sparked confusion among lawmakers and the public, with many questioning whether it is too little, too late.
"This is just a delaying tactic," said Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise party. "The Prime Minister's resignation was a clear indication that his government had lost all credibility."
Macron has faced two years of struggle amid a deepening political crisis, marked by widespread protests and growing discontent with his policies.
"The President is under immense pressure to deliver results," said analyst Pierre-Yves Bournazel. "His decision to hold talks with parliamentary figures is a clear indication that he is willing to listen and adapt."
The outcome of Lecornu's talks remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: France's political crisis shows no signs of abating.
Background
France has been plagued by a deepening political crisis since the 2024 snap elections, which saw Macron's party lose its majority in parliament. The President has struggled to form a stable government, with several prime ministers failing to secure backing from lawmakers.
International Perspectives
The French crisis has sparked concern among European leaders, who are watching developments closely. "We are monitoring the situation closely and stand ready to offer support if needed," said a spokesperson for the European Commission.
In Washington, officials have expressed concerns about the impact of the crisis on France's ability to implement key EU policies.
Current Status
Lecornu's talks with parliamentary figures will continue Wednesday, but it remains unclear whether they will yield any concrete results. The outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by lawmakers and the public alike.
In a statement, Macron's office said that the President remained committed to finding a solution to the crisis and would work tirelessly to ensure the country's stability.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
