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The French leader has called upon Sébastien Lecornu to resume duties as the nation's premier a mere four days after he resigned, triggering a period of intense uncertainty and crisis.

Macron made the announcement late on Friday, hours after consulting with leading factions in one place at the Élysée Palace, omitting the leaders of the political extremes.

The decision to reinstate him was unexpected, as he said on broadcast just 48 hours prior that he was not interested in returning and his task was complete.

It is not even certain whether he will be able to assemble a cabinet, but he will have to hit the ground running. The new prime minister faces a time limit on Monday to submit financial plans before parliament.

Leadership Hurdles and Economic Pressures

The Élysée announced the president had “tasked [Lecornu] with forming a government”, and Macron's entourage indicated he had been given full authority to make decisions.

The prime minister, who is one of the president's key supporters, then issued a detailed message on X in which he agreed to take on “out of duty” the mission entrusted to me by the president, to strive to provide France with a budget by the year's conclusion and address the everyday problems of our countrymen.

Political divisions over how to bring down the country's public debt and balance the books have resulted in the fall of several leaders in the recent period, so his mission is immense.

The nation's debt in the past months was almost 114% of national income – the third largest in the currency union – and this year's budget deficit is estimated to amount to over five percent of the economy.

Lecornu emphasized that no one can avoid the imperative of repairing France's public finances. Given the limited time before the end of Macron's presidency, he advised that those in the cabinet would have to put on hold their political goals.

Leading Without Support

What makes it even harder for Lecornu is that he will face a parliamentary test in a parliament where Macron has lacks sufficient support to endorse his government. His public standing hit a record low in the latest survey, according to research that put his public backing on 14 percent.

Jordan Bardella of the National Rally party, which was not invited of consultations with political chiefs on the end of the week, said that the prime minister's return, by a president out of touch at the presidential palace, is a misstep.

The National Rally would immediately bring a motion of censure against a failing government, whose main motivation was avoiding a vote, he continued.

Forming Coalitions

The prime minister at least understands the obstacles ahead as he tries to build a coalition, because he has already devoted 48 hours lately meeting with political groups that might support him.

On their own, the centrist parties cannot form a government, and there are splits within the right-leaning party who have assisted Macron's governments since he failed to secure enough seats in recent polls.

So Lecornu will consider left-wing parties for potential support.

In an attempt to court the left, Macron's team hinted the president was considering a delay to portions of his highly contentious social security adjustments passed in 2023 which increased the pension age from 62 up to 64.

That fell short of what progressive chiefs desired, as they were hoping he would appoint a leader from their side. Olivier Faure of the Socialists stated lacking commitments, they would withhold backing for the premier.

Fabien Roussel from the left-wing party commented post-consultation that the progressive camp wanted real change, and a premier from the central bloc would not be endorsed by the public.

Greens leader the Green figure said she was “stunned” the president had offered the left almost nothing to the left, adding that outcomes would be negative.