Macron Faces Calls to Resolve France's Political Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron faces growing pressure to resign amid his country's deepening political turmoil. His first prime minister Édouard Philippe publicly urged him to step down on Tuesday for the good of the nation.

Macron has governed France since 2017 but now confronts his most serious domestic crisis. His seventh prime minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned on Monday, continuing the rapid turnover of government leadership.

The president gave Lecornu until Wednesday evening to form a sustainable governing coalition. Prospects for success appear slim according to political observers. If negotiations fail, Macron could dissolve the National Assembly and call snap elections.

Macron met with leaders of both parliamentary chambers Tuesday night. These consultations are required before any parliamentary dissolution, suggesting he may be preparing for early elections.

The president has cycled through three prime ministers in just one year. Even within his own political camp, impatience grows. Former government spokesperson Aurore Bergé insisted Macron would remain until his term ends in 2027.

But Philippe, who served as prime minister from 2017-2020, called for early presidential elections after budget approval. French media described his statement as a political bombshell.

Philippe plans to run for president in 2027. He told radio station RTL that Macron must help France exit a political crisis damaging the country in a dignified and orderly manner.

Macron could appoint an eighth prime minister as another option. The current crisis began when Macron's 2024 election resulted in a deadlocked parliament and strengthened far-right parties.

While politically isolated at home, Macron continues international efforts to help resolve the Ukraine war alongside U.S. President Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, Lecornu began talks with various political parties. Left-wing politician Raphaël Glucksmann suggested temporarily freezing the unpopular 2023 pension reform to ease negotiations.

Marine Le Pen, who risks exclusion from the next presidential election due to a fraud conviction, called Macron's resignation wise but said new elections were absolutely necessary.

Le Pen's National Rally party rejected Lecornu's invitation to talks. The party stated these endless negotiations no longer serve French interests but only the president's.

Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure said his party would participate in talks but insisted the next prime minister should come from the left.

The political instability comes as France faces economic challenges and international pressures. Macron's ability to govern effectively appears increasingly compromised by the parliamentary deadlock and internal party divisions.