Macron Faces Political Turmoil Amid Prime Minister Lecornu’s Reappointment, Opposition Calls for Resignation

French President Emmanuel Macron's reappointment of Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister has plunged France into a deep political crisis. Lecornu, who was reinstated mere days after his resignation, faces opposition from across the political spectrum, with rival parties filing motions of no-confidence and demanding the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Context

Macron's reappointment of Lecornu has been met with criticism, with some calling it a bad joke (New York Times). The move comes as Macron and his coalition face declining approval ratings and a growing political crisis over the country's budget (Japan Times).

Lecornu, in his response, highlighted the need for a government reflecting the parliamentary reality, yet not being held hostage to partisan interests (The Hindu). However, despite Macron's insistence on stability, the duration of this new government remains uncertain, with France experiencing some of its worst political turmoil in decades (New York Times).

Opposition and Calls for Dissolution

The National Rally (RN) and La France Insoumise, opposition parties, have announced plans to file motions of no-confidence in the new Lecornu government (Le Monde). Marine Le Pen, president of RN, and Manuel Bompard from La France Insoumise, have expressed their desire for an immediate dissolution of the National Assembly, aiming to 'end macronism' and allow the French people to express themselves (Le Monde).

Meanwhile, Macron has accused these rival parties of fuelling instability, dismissing calls for his resignation and blaming them for the 'destabilisation' of Prime Minister Lecornu (The Guardian).

Government's Response and Future Challenges

Despite the political turmoil, Macron is making frantic efforts to quell the crisis. He has summoned leaders of several political parties, except RN and La France Insoumise, to show collective responsibility in appointing a new Prime Minister (The Guardian). Lecornu, in his new term, is expected to focus on forming a new government and passing a budget before the end of the year (Le Monde).

However, the new Lecornu government already faces threats of censorship and a possible dissolution of the National Assembly. Macron's options are dwindling, with scenarios like government cohabitation, early elections, or a presidential resignation looming in the horizon (Clarin).

Conclusion

France is currently in the throes of a severe political crisis, with Macron's decision to reappoint Lecornu as Prime Minister fuelling the turmoil. As opposition parties gear up to challenge the new government, the future of Macron's presidency and the country's political stability hang in the balance.