France’s Political Chaos Deepens as Another Prime Minister Resigns—But What’s Really at Stake?
By Emmet Lyons, News Desk Editor, CBS News London
Updated on: October 6, 2025 / 7:48 AM EDT
France is in turmoil—again. Just days after forming his cabinet, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu abruptly resigned, marking the fifth leadership change in less than two years. This latest shakeup has reignited calls from far-right leader Marine Le Pen for fresh national elections, plunging the country further into uncertainty. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is France’s political paralysis a failure of leadership, or a symptom of deeper systemic issues?
The Roots of the Crisis
The chaos began last year when President Emmanuel Macron called snap elections, hoping to secure a stronger mandate. Instead, the vote left no party with a clear majority in the National Assembly, France’s parliament. Since then, the country has been stuck in a cycle of short-lived governments, each unable to navigate the fractured political landscape. Lecornu’s resignation speech hinted at the frustration: ‘I was ready to compromise, but each party demands the other adopt its entire agenda,’ he said, underscoring the gridlock.
The Far-Right’s Rise and Macron’s Gamble
Macron’s decision to call the elections was a high-stakes move, driven in part by fears of the far-right’s growing influence. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party, once marginalized, has gained significant ground in recent years, including in the 2024 European Union parliamentary elections. Macron’s centrist coalition, however, lost seats to both Le Pen’s party and far-left alliances, leaving him weakened and isolated.
And this is the part most people miss: France’s political instability isn’t just about party rivalries. It’s also tied to a looming economic crisis. The country’s national debt and budget deficit are spiraling, prompting Fitch to downgrade France’s credit rating last month. The agency cited ‘increased political fragmentation and deteriorating public finances’—a stark warning for the EU’s second-largest economy.
Protests, Strikes, and Public Fury
The fallout is spilling into the streets. Last month, thousands of protesters—students, trade unions, and retirees—marched in over 200 cities, denouncing proposed austerity measures in the 2026 budget. They’re demanding higher taxes on the wealthy instead of cuts to public spending. This unrest comes just weeks after Lecornu’s predecessor, François Bayrou, was ousted in a no-confidence vote for failing to pass a budget aimed at tackling the debt crisis.
What’s Next for France?
Le Pen’s call for new elections has reignited debate. ‘There is no solution,’ she declared on social media, urging Macron to dissolve the National Assembly. But would another election solve anything, or simply deepen the divide? With Lecornu’s resignation making him the shortest-serving prime minister in the Fifth Republic’s history, France’s political system appears more fragile than ever.
A Question for You
Is France’s crisis a result of Macron’s missteps, or an inevitable consequence of a fragmented political landscape? And could Le Pen’s rise signal a broader shift in European politics? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs your voice.
