UPDATE: French President Emmanuel Macron has urgently tasked his outgoing prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, to conduct last-ditch negotiations with political parties as the nation grapples with a deepening political crisis. This unprecedented move comes just hours after Lecornu resigned, marking his administration as the shortest in modern French history.
The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron has given Lecornu a strict 48-hour deadline to explore a path forward for stability in France. “The president has entrusted Mr. Sebastien Lecornu, the outgoing prime minister, with the responsibility of conducting final negotiations by Wednesday evening to define a platform for action and stability for the country,” the statement read.
Lecornu took to social media, stating, “At the request of the president, I am ready to conduct final talks with the political forces to ensure the stability of the country.” He pledged to inform Macron on Wednesday evening whether a resolution could be reached, enabling the president to draw necessary conclusions from the outcome.
“J’ai accepté à la demande du Président de la République de mener d’ultimes discussions avec les forces politiques pour la stabilité du pays,”
With the political landscape rapidly changing, the stakes could not be higher. Recent reports indicate that Macron would accept full responsibility should these negotiations falter. While the president has dismissed the idea of resigning, he retains the power to dissolve parliament and call for new elections, a move that could have significant repercussions for France’s political future.
The context of this crisis is rooted in Macron’s earlier decision to dissolve parliament last year, a controversial choice that has been cited as a catalyst for the current instability, as it empowered both extreme left and right factions in the National Assembly.
As France watches closely, the outcome of Lecornu’s negotiations will be pivotal for the nation’s immediate future. Will he be able to broker a deal that restores stability, or will this latest political maneuver lead to further turmoil?
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. The nation eagerly awaits Lecornu’s report on Wednesday evening, which could determine the next steps for Macron and the French government.
