Political Crisis: 48 Hours to Save French Politics and the Economy

As France holds its breath, President Emmanuel Macron must draw lessons from Sébastien Lecornu’s final consultations and appoint a new Prime Minister by Friday evening. The goal: to overcome the political crisis, avoid a parliamentary dissolution, and secure the country’s economic stability through the 2026 budget.

Lecornu’s Mission Completed: “The Prospect of Dissolution Is Fading”

After two days of intensive talks, Sébastien Lecornu delivered his conclusions to the Élysée Palace. According to him, “the prospect of a dissolution is fading,” and “the situation allows the President to appoint a new Prime Minister within the next 48 hours,” enabling the government to present its budget bill to Parliament by Monday.

Appearing on France 2, the outgoing Prime Minister declared that “an absolute majority in the National Assembly rejects the idea of dissolution.” He added:

“The situation is already difficult enough. We need a team ready to roll up its sleeves and address the country’s problems until the 2027 presidential election.”

A 2026 Budget Under European Scrutiny

Outgoing Economy Minister Roland Lescure sought to reassure both markets and partners: France “will have a budget for 2026 — one that is good for deficits and growth — and will honor its European commitments.”

Speaking in Luxembourg before a Eurogroup meeting, Lescure stressed that a “majority of parliamentarians want stability” and “agree on the need for a 2026 budget consistent with our commitments to our European partners.”

“The Wednesday of Rumors” — Tensions Behind the Scenes

October 8, 2025, might well be remembered as the Wednesday of rumors.
The day before, when Macron met with National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet and Senate President Gérard Larcher, both were quietly considering a second dissolution.

Yet at Matignon, before receiving the Socialists and the Greens for “final negotiations,” Sébastien Lecornu stepped before the cameras to hail a “political convergence” around the urgent need for a budget — a statement that immediately calmed fears of a snap election.

The Pension Reform Returns to the Forefront

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister and now outgoing Education Minister Élisabeth Borne reopened one of the most divisive debates in French politics: the 2023 pension reform.

“I don’t think this reform should become a totem,” she said in Le Parisien, suggesting that “if suspending it is the condition for national stability, then we must explore the practical and political consequences until the 2027 election.”

Union leaders welcomed the idea.
Marylise Léon (CFDT) called it “a positive signal” and “a step toward healing a deep democratic wound.”
Sophie Binet (CGT), however, described Borne’s statement as “an admission of failure,” insisting that “the only way out of this crisis is to repeal this unjust law.”

From the business side, Medef president Patrick Martin pushed back, warning that “suspending or repealing this reform would be a mistake — the numbers speak for themselves.”

For his part, Lecornu acknowledged that the pension issue had become “a source of political gridlock.” He estimated that suspending the reform would cost “no less than €3 billion by 2027.”

Macron Under Pressure: A Decision by Friday

Despite mounting calls for Macron’s resignation, Lecornu was firm: “This is not the time to change presidents.” He insisted that “the presidential institution must be protected and preserved,” reminding that “it’s not the president who votes the budget.”

Having completed his “mission of last resort,” Lecornu stated that his task was now over — “I’m not running after the job,” he said, leaving the decision squarely in the President’s hands.

Now, all eyes turn to Emmanuel Macron.
Will France’s next Prime Minister come from the right, the left, or civil society?
The answer, expected by Friday evening, will determine whether Macron can regain control of a divided Parliament — and perhaps save both his presidency and France’s political balance.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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Gabriel MIHAI

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