Macron will nominate new French prime minister in 48 hours

In a dramatic turn of events, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu stepped down on Monday, marking the third resignation of a prime minister in less than a year. The move comes amidst a deepening political crisis in France, characterized by a hung parliament and ideological divisions. President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours, as the Elysee Palace seeks to quell speculation about the possibility of fresh elections. Lecornu, a close ally of Macron, was tasked with forming a consensus among political parties to navigate the current impasse. However, the path to forming a stable government remains fraught with challenges, as parties remain deeply divided over key issues such as the national budget and pension reforms. Lecornu emphasized the urgent need to pass a budget by year-end, warning that parties should not dismiss it without thorough examination. The political stalemate, which began after snap elections in July 2024, has hindered legislative progress and exacerbated France’s economic woes, including a national debt of €3.4 trillion, the third highest in the eurozone. As Macron remains silent following Lecornu’s resignation, the question of who will lead France out of this crisis looms large.