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The French leader has called upon his former prime minister to come back as head of government only four days after he resigned, sparking a stretch of intense uncertainty and instability.

The president declared late on Friday, hours after consulting with all the main parties in one place at the official residence, omitting the representatives of the extremist parties.

Lecornu's return was unexpected, as he said on broadcast recently that he was not “chasing the job” and his task was complete.

There is uncertainty whether he will be able to assemble a cabinet, but he will have to act quickly. The new prime minister faces a deadline on Monday to put next year's budget before lawmakers.

Leadership Hurdles and Fiscal Demands

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

The prime minister, who is one of Macron's closest allies, then issued a long statement on social media in which he accepted “out of duty” the task given to him by the president, to strive to provide France with a budget by the year's conclusion and respond to the everyday problems of our fellow citizens.

Partisan conflicts over how to lower government borrowing and reduce the fiscal shortfall have resulted in the ouster of several leaders in the last year, so his mission is immense.

Government liabilities recently was almost 114% of gross domestic product – the third highest in the euro area – and this year's budget deficit is expected to amount to 5.4 percent of the economy.

The premier emphasized that everyone must contribute the need of fixing the nation's budget. With only 18 months before the end of Macron's presidency, he cautioned that anyone joining his government would have to put on hold their aspirations for higher office.

Ruling Amid Division

Compounding the challenge for the prime minister is that he will face a vote of confidence in a National Assembly where the president has is short of votes to endorse his government. His public standing hit a record low recently, according to research that put his public backing on 14%.

The far-right leader of the far-right National Rally, which was not invited of Macron's talks with political chiefs on Friday, remarked that Lecornu's reappointment, by a president out of touch at the Élysée, is a misstep.

The National Rally would quickly propose a motion of censure against a struggling administration, whose main motivation was fear of an election, he continued.

Seeking Support

The prime minister at least knows the pitfalls he faces as he tries to build a coalition, because he has already used time this week consulting factions that might join his government.

On their own, the centrist parties are insufficient, and there are disagreements within the traditionalists who have assisted the administration since he lacked support in elections last year.

So he will seek progressive groups for possible backing.

To gain leftist support, officials hinted the president was considering a delay to part of his divisive social security adjustments passed in 2023 which extended working life from 62 up to 64.

It was insufficient of what socialist figures wanted, as they were expecting he would appoint a premier from their side. Olivier Faure of the Socialists stated without assurances, they would offer no support to back the prime minister.

The Communist figure from the left-wing party commented post-consultation that the left wanted real change, and a leader from the president's centrist camp would not be accepted by the public.

Environmental party head the Green figure said she was “stunned” Macron had provided few concessions to the progressives, adding that outcomes would be negative.