French Government Collapse Deepens Macron Political Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron faces a deepening political crisis after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned less than a month into office, marking the shortest tenure for a prime minister in modern French history. Lecornu's government collapsed just 14 hours after its formation due to intense opposition from conservatives, particularly over his defense minister pick, highlighting the fragmented and divided French parliament. This turmoil follows Macron's unsuccessful attempt to secure a parliamentary majority through snap elections in 2024, which instead increased political instability and eroded investor confidence in France's economy. Opposition parties, including far-right leader Marine Le Pen and hard-left France Unbowed's Mathilde Panot, have demanded Macron either call new elections or resign, as the political deadlock hampers efforts to address France’s fiscal challenges. Macron, whose term runs until 2027, has not publicly responded to Lecornu's resignation, leaving uncertainty over whether he will appoint a sixth prime minister or dissolve the National Assembly for new elections. The ongoing domestic instability risks diverting Macron's attention from critical international issues such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and the security challenges posed by Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertive policies.