Macron's Presidency Under Siege: Third Prime Minister Resigns Amid Deepening French Crisis

Time May Be Running Out for Master of Clocks Macron: What Next for France? PARIS — After eight years in office, Emmanuel Macron's position as president is facing increasing pressure as France's political crisis deepens. For the third time in a year, his choice of prime minister has resigned, and opinion polls suggest almost three-quarters of voters think the president should step down too. Macron once called himself "maître des horloges" - master of the clocks - but his command of timing is not what it was. Long-time ally Édouard Philippe, who served as Macron's first prime minister from 2017-20, has urged him to appoint a technocrat prime minister and call presidential elections in an "orderly manner." However, Macron is more likely to dissolve parliament than step down. The president's office has not commented on the latest resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who announced his departure at the start of a day of political drama on Monday. Lecornu's resignation came after just 26 days in the job, and hours later he said he had accepted Macron's request to stay on for another 48 hours to hold last-ditch talks with political parties "for the stability of the country." The unexpected twists were the latest in a long series of events that have left France's politics in disarray. The country has been plagued by protests, strikes, and economic woes, which have eroded Macron's popularity. "Macron's presidency is facing a crisis of confidence," said Philippe, who now serves as mayor of Le Havre. "He needs to take bold action to restore trust in his leadership." Philippe's words were echoed by other politicians, including those from the opposition party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed), which has been calling for Macron's resignation. "The president is responsible for the current state of affairs," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise. "He needs to take responsibility and step down." However, some analysts believe that Macron may still have a chance to turn things around. "Macron has shown in the past that he can adapt and change course," said Dominique Moisi, a senior fellow at the French Institute for International Relations. The next few days will be crucial in determining Macron's fate. The president is expected to address the nation on Wednesday, where he may outline his plans for the future. As France teeters on the brink of uncertainty, one thing is clear: time may be running out for Master of Clocks Macron. *Reporting by Bbc.*