"Macron calls emergency talks with parties to swiftly pick new PM"

Emmanuel Macron has called upon the leaders of several political factions to his office, urging them to demonstrate "collective responsibility" as he seeks to appoint a new prime minister amid growing political turmoil.

All parties except Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, the largest opposition group, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s left-wing La France Insoumise were summoned to the presidential palace before Macron’s deadline to select a new leader by Friday evening.

Groups such as the Socialists, Greens, and Les Républicains received the invitation in the early hours, highlighting the urgency of resolving the escalating crisis.

Jordan Bardella, head of the National Rally, which has refused to support any new government, stated his party was "pleased" not to be invited, declaring: "Our party cannot be bought." Mélenchon argued that only Macron’s resignation and an early election could bring stability. Macron’s office has repeatedly stated he will remain in office until his term concludes in 2027.

Macron, a centrist, is confronting his most severe domestic challenge since taking office in 2017. On Monday, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, a Macron ally, stepped down just 14 hours after forming a new government, following criticism that he had excluded other political perspectives from governance.

Lecornu resigned before attending a cabinet meeting or delivering a policy speech. Weeks prior, his predecessor François Bayrou was removed over proposed budget reductions.

Lecornu became the third prime minister in a year, as France continues to struggle with political instability after Macron’s failed snap election gamble. Parliament remains split among the left, far right, and center, with no faction holding a clear majority. A budget for the coming year must be finalized soon, despite deep divisions and prolonged governmental instability.

Macron is now seeking his sixth prime minister in under two years, requiring someone who can forge compromises among rival blocs to pass a budget in a fragmented assembly.

Lecornu suggested a revised 2026 budget draft could be submitted by Monday, aligning with the year-end deadline for parliamentary approval. Macron has pledged to announce a new prime minister by Friday, but the chosen candidate will need to assemble a government quickly to meet financial deadlines.

France’s central bank governor, François Villeroy de Galhau, warned that ongoing political uncertainty risks harming business and consumer confidence, as well as economic growth.