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The French leader has asked his former prime minister to come back as head of government just days after he resigned, sparking a period of intense uncertainty and crisis.

Macron made the announcement on Friday evening, shortly after meeting key political groups collectively at the Élysée Palace, omitting the figures of the extremist parties.

The decision to reinstate him shocked many, as he stated on television only two days ago that he was not “chasing the job” 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 cut-off on the start of the week to put next year's budget before parliament.

Political Challenges and Fiscal Demands

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

Lecornu, who is one of a trusted associate, then issued a long statement on X in which he agreed to take on as an obligation the mission assigned by the president, to make every effort to secure a national budget by the year's conclusion and tackle the everyday problems of our countrymen.

Political divisions over how to bring down government borrowing and balance the books have led to the ouster of several leaders in the recent period, so his challenge is enormous.

France's public debt earlier this year was almost 114% of economic output (GDP) – the number three in the euro area – and the annual fiscal gap is expected to hit over five percent of GDP.

The premier stated that no one can avoid the need of fixing the nation's budget. With only 18 months before the end of Macron's presidency, he cautioned that those in the cabinet would have to put on hold their presidential ambitions.

Leading Without Support

Adding to the difficulty for Lecornu is that he will face a vote of confidence in a parliament where Macron has is short of votes to endorse his government. His public standing reached its lowest point recently, according to a survey that put his support level on just 14%.

Jordan Bardella of the National Rally party, which was left out of the president's discussions with party leaders on Friday, remarked that the decision, by a president increasingly isolated at the presidential palace, is a “bad joke”.

The National Rally would promptly introduce a motion of censure against a failing government, whose only reason for being was fear of an election, the leader stated.

Seeking Support

Lecornu at least understands the obstacles he faces as he tries to build a coalition, because he has already devoted 48 hours this week consulting factions that might join his government.

On their own, the central groups lack a majority, and there are divisions within the traditionalists who have assisted the ruling coalition since he lost his majority in elections last year.

So Lecornu will seek socialist factions for possible backing.

To gain leftist support, Macron's team indicated the president was evaluating a pause to some aspects of his controversial pension reforms enacted last year which extended working life from 62 to 64.

It was insufficient of what progressive chiefs desired, as they were hoping he would select a premier from their camp. The Socialist leader of the leftist party said without assurances, they would offer no support to back the prime minister.

Fabien Roussel from the Communists commented post-consultation that the left wanted substantive shifts, and a leader from the central bloc would not be endorsed by the French people.

Greens leader Marine Tondelier expressed shock the president had given minimal offers to the left, adding that outcomes would be negative.