Macron's Presidency Faces New Crisis as Third Prime Minister Resigns Amid Escalating Political Turmoil

Time May Be Running Out for Macron as France's Political Crisis Escalates 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 had once dubbed himself "maître des horloges" or master of the clocks, but his command of timing is not what it was. The latest resignation came on Monday from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who announced he would leave office after only 26 days in the job. Lecornu later accepted Macron's request to stay on for another 48 hours — until the end of Wednesday — to hold last-ditch talks with political parties "for the stability of the country." The unexpected twist was the latest in a long series of upheavals that began with Macron's decision to dissolve parliament and call new elections. The crisis has left France waiting to see if a new government can be formed or if Macron will have to dissolve parliament again. Macron has repeatedly said he will not leave office early, but his stance is being met with growing skepticism from voters and opposition parties. "This is a moment of truth for Emmanuel Macron," said Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed party. "He must take responsibility for the crisis and consider stepping down to allow a new government to be formed." Macron's office has maintained that he remains committed to his term in office and will not resign early. However, the opposition parties are calling for him to dissolve parliament and call new elections. "The president is trying to cling to power at any cost," said Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party. "It's time for a change and for France to have a new government that truly represents its people." The crisis has also raised concerns about the impact on France's economy and international relations. The country's stock market has been volatile in recent weeks, and investors are watching closely to see how the situation develops. As the clock ticks down on Lecornu's 48-hour stay, Macron's office is working behind the scenes to try to find a solution. But with opinion polls suggesting that almost three-quarters of voters want him to step down, it remains to be seen if he will be able to salvage his presidency. Background Macron was first elected in 2017 on a platform of economic reform and social change. He won re-election in 2022 but has faced growing opposition from voters who feel he has failed to deliver on his promises. The latest crisis began when Macron's previous prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, resigned in June after only six months in office. Lecornu was appointed as her successor but lasted just 26 days before announcing his resignation. Additional Perspectives Macron's supporters argue that he remains the best option for France and that his opponents are trying to destabilize the country. "The president has a clear vision for France and is committed to implementing it," said a spokesperson for Macron's office. "We will continue to work towards finding a solution to the current crisis." However, opposition parties say that Macron's refusal to step down is exacerbating the crisis and undermining trust in politics. "It's time for Emmanuel Macron to take responsibility for his actions and step aside," said Mélenchon. "France needs a new government that truly represents its people." *Reporting by Bbc.*