Paris: Former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has publicly expressed his support for an early presidential election in France following the adoption of a new budget. Philippe, speaking to broadcaster RTL, emphasized the need for President Emmanuel Macron to take initiative by proposing a new prime minister who would focus on current affairs and ensure the budget's passage before calling for early elections.
According to Anadolu Agency, Philippe clarified that he does not support the immediate removal of President Macron from office, warning against the potential negative consequences of such a move. He argued that an abrupt resignation would disrupt the conditions necessary for a proper presidential election.
Philippe's comments come in the wake of the resignation of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who was the fifth person to occupy the role in less than two years. Lecornu's departure, amid criticism of the newly announced Cabinet, has intensified scrutiny on Macron's leadership.
Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen suggested that Macron's resignation would be a prudent choice and called for the dissolution of parliament, which she deemed unavoidable. David Lisnard, vice-president of the right-wing Republicans, echoed these sentiments on social media, asserting that Macron should resign to preserve national institutions.
Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the French Unbowed (LFI) party, has also pushed for the immediate consideration of a motion to impeach Macron. Meanwhile, Mathilde Panot, LFI's parliamentary leader, circulated a petition for Macron's impeachment that was initially launched in mid-September.
Lecornu's resignation followed his unveiling of a new government that largely mirrored the previous one, which collapsed earlier this month. His appointment came after Francois Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly, partly due to unresolved budget negotiations. Bayrou had proposed a budget framework aimed at saving £44 billion ($51 billion) to address France's public debt, which stands at 115% of GDP.
France continues to grapple with one of the European Union's largest budget deficits, which is currently 5.8% of GDP. Previous budget negotiation failures, such as the one in 2025, have led to political upheavals, including the collapse of the Michel Barnier government last December following a no-confidence motion supported by both left-wing and far-right parties.