48 Hours of Tension: Emmanuel Macron Challenges Sébastien Lecornu to Save the Majority

France is experiencing an unprecedented political crisis. Following the resignation of Sébastien Lecornu, Emmanuel Macron has given him one last mission: to find a platform for action and stability within just 48 hours. The president’s objective is clear: rebuild a fractured coalition, avoid parliamentary censure, and above all, draft a budget before December 31.

A Government on the Brink

The outgoing Prime Minister must negotiate in an atmosphere of tension. Between threats of censure, ideological divisions between left and right, and internal pressures, the challenge is immense.
Emmanuel Macron, who refuses to resign, insists on remaining the guarantor of institutional stability, while allowing his former minister to maneuver toward a political solution.

Red Lines Over Pension Reform

The main sticking point remains the suspension of the pension reform, a symbolic measure from the previous term.
Former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has expressed openness to a temporary suspension — a gesture toward the Socialist Party. She acknowledges that the reform should not become a “totem” and calls for union-backed improvements on hardship and women’s rights.

However, Édouard Philippe’s Horizons party strongly opposes the idea, considering the reform crucial to fiscal balance.
Macron now faces a difficult choice between political unity and policy consistency.

Political Parties: Between Refusal and Strategy

On France 2, Bruno Retailleau ruled out joining any government led by a Macron ally or left-wing figure, denouncing “more spending, more taxes, more immigration, and less security.”
Meanwhile, Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, said, “It’s time to shift to the left,” recalling the succession of three right-leaning Prime Ministers.

The National Rally (RN) refused to take part in talks, describing them as a “time-wasting tactic” to “give Macron oxygen.” One senior RN figure declared, “Macron and Lecornu must be suffocated.” Marine Le Pen continues to demand an immediate dissolution of Parliament.

Tense Talks at the Élysée

President Emmanuel Macron met with Yaël Braun-Pivet and Gérard Larcher to discuss the parliamentary crisis.
According to Europe 1, no direct discussion about suspending the reform took place.
Meanwhile, Sébastien Lecornu continues consultations, planning to meet Socialist leaders in search of a stability pact — even at the risk of a left-wing cohabitation.

RN and the Left Prepare Their Response

The motion to impeach Macron, filed by La France Insoumise (LFI), was ruled inadmissible by the National Assembly’s Bureau, with the RN abstaining.
LFI leader Mathilde Panot condemned the outcome: “Once again, the RN saves Emmanuel Macron.”
This implicit alliance underscores a divided Assembly with no clear majority.

Lecornu’s Final Mission

In a symbolic move, Lecornu announced the suspension of ministerial severance pay, arguing that “they cannot receive three months’ salary for just a few hours in office.”
He reaffirmed:

“There is a determination to have a budget before December 31. That determination brings us away from dissolution.”

An Institutional Turning Point?

As Lecornu works to stabilize the situation, Édouard Philippe has called for an early presidential election, urging Macron to step down “immediately after the budget’s adoption.”
Macron, however, remains adamant: he will not resign, seeing himself as the guardian of France’s institutions.
According to Politico, insiders say “everything remains open,” suggesting that even bold political options are being discussed within the Élysée.

A Political Countdown

The next 48 hours could be decisive for Emmanuel Macron and Sébastien Lecornu.
Between fragile alliances, determined opposition, and budgetary pressures, the government’s future hangs in the balance.
If the budget fails to pass, France could face a new institutional crisis with unpredictable consequences.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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Gabriel MIHAI

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