<p>President Emmanuel Macron is always visible on the international stage as the face of European diplomacy in the war in Ukraine. But domestically, his ground is shaking. With five prime ministers in and out of the revolving door, one might think his time is up. But not so fast. France’s unique political system might ensure he completes his term in 2027 despite political and economic headwinds and social unrest. Here are his challenges — and why he might survive the storm.</p><h2>Emmanuel Macron’s second term descends into paralysis</h2><p>Macron is set to announce his sixth prime minister on Friday (Oct 10). Once seen as a centrist reformer and European leader, Macron now presides over a France beset by political gridlock, economic stagnation, and social unrest that regularly triggers protests. His approval rating has plummeted to 17 per cent, and five prime ministers have cycled through office in under three years — instability unseen since the Fourth Republic.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-at-a-political-crossroads-as-calls-for-macron-s-ouster-grows-1759944053069/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-at-a-political-crossroads-as-calls-for-macron-s-ouster-grows-1759944053069/embed</a></p><h2>Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in 2024 backfired</h2><p>Arguably overconfident, Macron called snap elections in 2024, which resulted in a hung National Assembly. His Renaissance party holds only 166 seats, trailing the left-wing New Popular Front (193) and the far-right National Rally (142). What followed was chaos. Prime Ministers Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, François Bayrou, and Sébastien Lecornu all failed to stabilise governance — with Lecornu’s tenure ending after just 27 days. Macron attempted cross-party talks, but perceptions of his irrelevance are growing.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-france-pm-eduardo-philippe-gabriel-attal-go-against-president-macron-and-want-early-election-1759846486546">Former PM and French president's ally Eduardo Philippe wants Macron to call for early election</a></p><h2>On French streets, anger continues to mount</h2><p>French streets remain a barometer of social tension. Macron’s pension reform — raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 — sparked mass protests. Austerity plans totalling €44 billion in savings triggered strikes. The “Bloquons Tout” movement has organised blockades, while unrest in New Caledonia over voting rights reforms has highlighted deep colonial-era fractures. Once a symbol of modernisation, Macron is now seen by many as elitist and socially divisive.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-un-against-letting-survival-of-the-fittest-define-world-order-a-dig-at-trump-1758674204290">Macron warns UN against letting 'survival of the fittest' define world order. A dig at Trump's 'America First' vision?</a></p><h2>France faces a deepening fiscal crisis</h2><p>French public debt reached €3.346 trillion — or 114 per cent of GDP — in the first quarter of 2025. Deficits are projected at 5 to 5.4 per cent of GDP. Macron failed to pass the 2026 budget due to the parliamentary deadlock, forcing France to operate under emergency spending rules. Markets are jittery, and the risk of credit downgrades looms.</p><h2>Yet, Macron is unlikely to leave office early</h2><p>Despite some allies calling for his resignation, Macron is expected to serve his full term thanks to France’s constitutional system. The Constitution of the Fifth Republic ensures presidential stability. Impeachment is only possible in cases of a “breach of duties,” and requires supermajorities in both parliamentary chambers and a ruling by a special court. No French president has ever been removed this way. Charles de Gaulle resigned voluntarily in 1969; others left only after losing elections.</p><h2>Macron could still dissolve parliament again</h2><p>With 18 months left until the 2027 election, Macron technically could dissolve parliament again — but he is unlikely to do so. Even as a lame-duck president, powerless domestically but constitutionally protected, he has the right to remain.</p><p>In the end, Macron has become a symbol of the very dysfunction he aimed to overcome as France’s youngest president. Politically isolated, economically constrained, and socially rejected, his authority has collapsed. But the system that protects the presidency ensures he stays — not because he can govern, but because he cannot be removed.</p>

Emmanuel Macron’s presidency faces political chaos, social unrest, economic crisis and low approval ratings. But France’s constitutional system likely ensures the president can complete his term. Here are the odds


President Emmanuel Macron is always visible on the international stage as the face of European diplomacy in the war in Ukraine. But domestically, his ground is shaking. With five prime ministers in and out of the revolving door, one might think his time is up. But not so fast. France’s unique political system might ensure he completes his term in 2027 despite political and economic headwinds and social unrest. Here are his challenges — and why he might survive the storm. Emmanuel Macron’s second term descends into paralysis Macron is set to announce his sixth prime minister on Friday (Oct 10). Once seen as a centrist reformer and European leader, Macron now presides over a France beset by political gridlock, economic stagnation, and social unrest that regularly triggers protests. His approval rating has plummeted to 17 per cent, and five prime ministers have cycled through office in under three years — instability unseen since the Fourth Republic. https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-at-a-political-crossroads-as-calls-for-macron-s-ouster-grows-1759944053069/embed Macron’s decision to dissolve parliament in 2024 backfired Arguably overconfident, Macron called snap elections in 2024, which resulted in a hung National Assembly. His Renaissance party holds only 166 seats, trailing the left-wing New Popular Front (193) and the far-right National Rally (142). What followed was chaos. Prime Ministers Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, Michel Barnier, François Bayrou, and Sébastien Lecornu all failed to stabilise governance — with Lecornu’s tenure ending after just 27 days. Macron attempted cross-party talks, but perceptions of his irrelevance are growing. Also read: Former PM and French president's ally Eduardo Philippe wants Macron to call for early election On French streets, anger continues to mount French streets remain a barometer of social tension. Macron’s pension reform — raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 — sparked mass protests. Austerity plans totalling €44 billion in savings triggered strikes. The “Bloquons Tout” movement has organised blockades, while unrest in New Caledonia over voting rights reforms has highlighted deep colonial-era fractures. Once a symbol of modernisation, Macron is now seen by many as elitist and socially divisive. Also read: Macron warns UN against letting 'survival of the fittest' define world order. A dig at Trump's 'America First' vision? France faces a deepening fiscal crisis French public debt reached €3.346 trillion — or 114 per cent of GDP — in the first quarter of 2025. Deficits are projected at 5 to 5.4 per cent of GDP. Macron failed to pass the 2026 budget due to the parliamentary deadlock, forcing France to operate under emergency spending rules. Markets are jittery, and the risk of credit downgrades looms. Yet, Macron is unlikely to leave office early Despite some allies calling for his resignation, Macron is expected to serve his full term thanks to France’s constitutional system. The Constitution of the Fifth Republic ensures presidential stability. Impeachment is only possible in cases of a “breach of duties,” and requires supermajorities in both parliamentary chambers and a ruling by a special court. No French president has ever been removed this way. Charles de Gaulle resigned voluntarily in 1969; others left only after losing elections. Macron could still dissolve parliament again With 18 months left until the 2027 election, Macron technically could dissolve parliament again — but he is unlikely to do so. Even as a lame-duck president, powerless domestically but constitutionally protected, he has the right to remain. In the end, Macron has become a symbol of the very dysfunction he aimed to overcome as France’s youngest president. Politically isolated, economically constrained, and socially rejected, his authority has collapsed. But the system that protects the presidency ensures he stays — not because he can govern, but because he cannot be removed.

<p>Emmanuel Macron’s presidency faces political chaos, social unrest, economic crisis and low approval ratings. But France’s constitutional system likely ensures the president can complete his term. Here are the odds</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Game over for Emmanuel Macron? President is down, but not out yet. How the French system will protect him

<p>In a big move, the French lawmakers on Monday (Sep 8) voted to oust Prime Minister François Bayrou, leaving the country in chaos and a new political crisis. A total of 364 MPs voted against Bayrou as he lost the confidence motion in the French Parliament. Only 194 voted for him, while more than 280 votes were needed to topple the government. French National Assembly Deputy Mathilde Panot issued an ultimatum be forced to to French President Emmanuel Macron, saying that he has two options - either to resign or be impeached. After losing the trust vote, Bayrou will now send his resignation to the French president, just after nine months in office, and following his predecessor Michel Barnier's footsteps.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has already demanded that the Parliament must be dissolved. Meanwhile, reports also suggested that Macron may appoint a caretaker government while looking for a new prime minister. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin are among the frontrunners for the post. The move to bring down the government came amid plans to tame the ballooning national debt. President Emmanuel Macron will now be forced to find a fifth prime minister in less than two years.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bayrou had called the confidence vote unexpectedly to try to win parliamentary support for his strategy to lower a deficit that stands at nearly double the European Union's 3 per cent ceiling and to start tackling a debt pile equivalent to 114 per cent of GDP. "This moment marks the end of the agony of a phantom government," far-right leader Marine Le Pen said. "Today is a day of relief for millions of French people, of relief over your departure," Mathilde Panot of the hard-left France Unbowed told Bayrou in the debate before the vote. To this, Bayrou responded, "You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality. Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

In a major political shake-up, French MPs voted out PM François Bayrou in a no-confidence motion, with 364 against and only 194 in support. Following the defeat, Bayrou is expected to resign. Pressure mounts on President Macron, as calls grow for his resignation 

In a big move, the French lawmakers on Monday (Sep 8) voted to oust Prime Minister François Bayrou, leaving the country in chaos and a new political crisis. A total of 364 MPs voted against Bayrou as he lost the confidence motion in the French Parliament. Only 194 voted for him, while more than 280 votes were needed to topple the government. French National Assembly Deputy Mathilde Panot issued an ultimatum be forced to to French President Emmanuel Macron, saying that he has two options - either to resign or be impeached. After losing the trust vote, Bayrou will now send his resignation to the French president, just after nine months in office, and following his predecessor Michel Barnier's footsteps. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has already demanded that the Parliament must be dissolved. Meanwhile, reports also suggested that Macron may appoint a caretaker government while looking for a new prime minister. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin are among the frontrunners for the post. The move to bring down the government came amid plans to tame the ballooning national debt. President Emmanuel Macron will now be forced to find a fifth prime minister in less than two years. Bayrou had called the confidence vote unexpectedly to try to win parliamentary support for his strategy to lower a deficit that stands at nearly double the European Union's 3 per cent ceiling and to start tackling a debt pile equivalent to 114 per cent of GDP. "This moment marks the end of the agony of a phantom government," far-right leader Marine Le Pen said. "Today is a day of relief for millions of French people, of relief over your departure," Mathilde Panot of the hard-left France Unbowed told Bayrou in the debate before the vote. To this, Bayrou responded, "You have the power to bring down the government, but you do not have the power to erase reality. Reality will remain relentless: expenses will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly."

<p>In a major political shake-up, French MPs voted out PM François Bayrou in a no-confidence motion, with 364 against and only 194 in support. Following the defeat, Bayrou is expected to resign. Pressure mounts on President Macron, as calls grow for his resignation&nbsp;</p>

'Macron can resign or he will be impeached': French government falls after PM loses confidence vote - What's happening

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<p>French President Emmanuel Macron is not naming the country's new prime minister for now, the news agency AFP reported late Thursday (Dec 5) citing sources.</p>

<p>Michel Barnier resigned from the PM's post earlier on Thursday, a day after opposition lawmakers voted to topple his government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The vote was the first successful no-confidence action since the defeat of Georges Pompidou's government in 1962 when Charles de Gaulle was president.</p>

<p>According to the Elysee, Barnier and his ministers would remain in charge of daily business until the new government was appointed.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Macron under pressure to announce new PM</strong></h2>

<p>It is not yet known who will be the new prime minister. Macron is under pressure to pick a name fast to avoid further turmoil in France.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/setback-for-macron-as-parliament-sacks-pm-barnier-heres-what-happens-next-781683">Setback for Macron as parliament sacks PM Barnier, here’s what happens next</a></strong></p>

<p>Contemporary&nbsp;France's shortest-serving premier, Barnier met Macron at the Elysee Palace to submit his resignation after Wednesday's parliamentary defeat forced his government to step down.</p>

<h2><strong>The top picks for French PM</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Here are some of the top picks for the PM's post whose names are circulating in French media:</strong></p>

<h3><strong>Sebastian Lecornu:</strong></h3>

<p>Lecornu defected from the Republican party and rallied behind Macron's 2017 presidency,&nbsp;going on to become one of the president's staunchest allies.</p>

<p>Lecornu, 38,&nbsp;most recently served as defence minister in Barnier's outgoing government, overseeing increases in defence spending and&nbsp;France’s support of military aid to Ukraine.</p>

<h3><strong>Francois Bayrou:</strong></h3>

<p>Bayrou's party – the Democratic Movement (MoDem) party has been a part of Macron’s ruling alliance since 2017. President Macron appointed Bayrou as justice minister but he resigned only weeks later amid an investigation into his party’s alleged fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Gravitas: France in political shambles as govt collapses</strong></p>

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<p>He was cleared of fraud charges this year, the news agency Reuters reported.</p>

<h3><strong>Bernard Cazeneuve </strong><meta charset="utf-8" /><b id="docs-internal-guid-d6ff923c-7fff-3f8f-0255-81adfb1e5d81">–&nbsp;</b><strong>a former PM:</strong></h3>

<p>Cazeneuve, 61, served as the French prime minister in the final months of&nbsp;Francois Hollande's presidency.</p>

<p>He was a&nbsp;senior member of the Socialist Party before he quit in 2022 in anger over the party’s decision to form an electoral pact with the hard-left&nbsp;France&nbsp;Unbowed (LFI).</p>

<p>Reuters reported that choosing&nbsp;Cazeneuve would be designed to encourage Socialist lawmakers to move away from the alliance with LFI, Greens and Communists and to expand a centrist ruling group.</p>

<p>His name had earlier circulated&nbsp;in the summer as Macron sought a prime minister following an inconclusive snap election.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French President Emmanuel Macron is not naming the country's new prime minister for now, the news agency AFP reported late Thursday (Dec 5) citing sources. Michel Barnier resigned from the PM's post earlier on Thursday, a day after opposition lawmakers voted to topple his government.

French President Emmanuel Macron is not naming the country's new prime minister for now, the news agency AFP reported late Thursday (Dec 5) citing sources. Michel Barnier resigned from the PM's post earlier on Thursday, a day after opposition lawmakers voted to topple his government. The vote was the first successful no-confidence action since the defeat of Georges Pompidou's government in 1962 when Charles de Gaulle was president. According to the Elysee, Barnier and his ministers would remain in charge of daily business until the new government was appointed. Macron under pressure to announce new PM It is not yet known who will be the new prime minister. Macron is under pressure to pick a name fast to avoid further turmoil in France. Also read | Setback for Macron as parliament sacks PM Barnier, here’s what happens next Contemporary France's shortest-serving premier, Barnier met Macron at the Elysee Palace to submit his resignation after Wednesday's parliamentary defeat forced his government to step down. The top picks for French PM Here are some of the top picks for the PM's post whose names are circulating in French media: Sebastian Lecornu: Lecornu defected from the Republican party and rallied behind Macron's 2017 presidency, going on to become one of the president's staunchest allies. Lecornu, 38, most recently served as defence minister in Barnier's outgoing government, overseeing increases in defence spending and France’s support of military aid to Ukraine. Francois Bayrou: Bayrou's party – the Democratic Movement (MoDem) party has been a part of Macron’s ruling alliance since 2017. President Macron appointed Bayrou as justice minister but he resigned only weeks later amid an investigation into his party’s alleged fraudulent employment of parliamentary assistants. Also watch | Gravitas: France in political shambles as govt collapses × He was cleared of fraud charges this year, the news agency Reuters reported. Bernard Cazeneuve – a former PM: Cazeneuve, 61, served as the French prime minister in the final months of Francois Hollande's presidency. He was a senior member of the Socialist Party before he quit in 2022 in anger over the party’s decision to form an electoral pact with the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI). Reuters reported that choosing Cazeneuve would be designed to encourage Socialist lawmakers to move away from the alliance with LFI, Greens and Communists and to expand a centrist ruling group. His name had earlier circulated in the summer as Macron sought a prime minister following an inconclusive snap election. (With inputs from agencies)

With Macron not naming new France PM for now, who are the top choices?

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Game over for Emmanuel Macron? President is down, but not out yet. How the French system will protect him

French government falls after PM loses confidence vote

With Macron not naming new France PM for now, who are the top choices?