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The French leader has requested his former prime minister to return as French prime minister just days after he stepped down, sparking a period of political upheaval and crisis.

The president made the announcement late on Friday, shortly after consulting with all the main parties in one place at the presidential palace, except for the figures of the political extremes.

His reappointment came as a surprise, as he declared on television recently that he was not interested in returning and his role had concluded.

There is uncertainty whether he will be able to establish a ruling coalition, but he will have to start immediately. The new prime minister faces a deadline on Monday to put next year's budget before parliament.

Governing Obstacles and Fiscal Demands

The Élysée confirmed the president had “tasked [Lecornu] with forming a government”, and his advisors suggested he had been given complete freedom to proceed.

Lecornu, who is one of Macron's closest allies, then issued a detailed message on X in which he agreed to take on responsibly the task given to him by the president, to make every effort to finalize financial plans by the end of the year and address the daily concerns of our compatriots.

Political divisions over how to reduce government borrowing and reduce the fiscal shortfall have caused the ouster of several leaders in the past twelve months, so his challenge is daunting.

France's public debt in the past months was close to 114% of economic output (GDP) – the third largest in the eurozone – and this year's budget deficit is expected to amount to over five percent of economic output.

Lecornu stated that “no-one will be able to shirk” the necessity of repairing France's public finances. Given the limited time before the conclusion of his term, he cautioned that anyone joining his government would have to set aside their aspirations for higher office.

Governing Without a Majority

Compounding the challenge for the prime minister is that he will face a show of support in a legislative body where Macron has no majority to support him. Macron's approval hit a record low this week, according to a survey that put his support level on 14 percent.

The far-right leader of the right-wing group, which was not invited of the president's discussions with faction heads on the end of the week, said that the decision, by a president “more than ever isolated and disconnected” at the official residence, is a misstep.

They would immediately bring a challenge against a struggling administration, whose only reason for being was fear of an election, the leader stated.

Seeking Support

The prime minister at least is aware of the challenges he faces as he tries to establish a cabinet, because he has already devoted 48 hours recently talking to parties that might support him.

Alone, the centrist parties are insufficient, and there are splits within the right-leaning party who have assisted the ruling coalition since he lost his majority in recent polls.

So he will seek progressive groups for potential support.

As a gesture to progressives, Macron's team hinted the president was evaluating a pause to portions of his highly contentious social security adjustments passed in 2023 which raised the retirement age from 62 up to 64.

The offer was inadequate of what progressive chiefs wanted, as they were expecting he would choose a prime minister from their side. Olivier Faure of the leftist party stated lacking commitments, they would withhold backing for the premier.

The Communist figure from the left-wing party stated following discussions that the left wanted genuine reform, and a prime minister from the president's centrist camp would not be accepted by the public.

Greens leader Marine Tondelier said she was “stunned” the president had provided few concessions to the left, adding that the situation would deteriorate.