French parliamentary leaders have rejected a motion to impeach President Emmanuel Macron, which was proposed by left-wing parties such as La France Insoumise (LFI). The motion was dismissed at its earliest stage by a vote of ten to five, with five abstentions. LFI leader Mathilde Panot accused right-wing MPs, particularly those from the National Rally, of blocking the vote. Outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu also expressed opposition to the dissolution of Macron’s government. The decision comes amid a worsening political crisis, with Macron’s approval rating having dropped to 14% due to the government’s failure to pass a deeply unpopular budget. Lecornu resigned from Macron’s cabinet on Monday after less than a month in office, marking the seventh time a prime minister has stepped down from Macron’s government since 2017. The opposition initially called for Macron’s impeachment, blaming him for the political crisis triggered by his decision to dissolve parliament and call snap elections in June 2024.
This decision highlights the deepening political instability in France, as the ruling party faces growing discontent from both the left and right. The motion to impeach Macron was a direct response to the government’s inability to pass the 2024 budget, which has sparked widespread public dissatisfaction. The rejection of the motion by the National Assembly’s Bureau indicates a lack of consensus within the parliamentary body, with right-wing factions playing a significant role in preventing the vote from proceeding further. LFI president Mathilde Panot’s criticism of the National Rally underscores the polarization within French politics, as different factions continue to clash over the direction of the country’s leadership. The situation has also created uncertainty in the executive branch, with Lecornu’s resignation adding to the instability.
Analysts suggest that the political turmoil surrounding Macron is a reflection of broader societal divisions in France. The failure to pass the budget has exacerbated existing tensions, contributing to a decline in public confidence in the government. With Macron’s approval rating at a historic low, the future of his administration remains uncertain. The opposition’s calls for his resignation highlight the growing pressure on the president to address the country’s economic and political challenges. The ongoing power struggle within the National Assembly has also left the country’s legislative process in disarray, with multiple prime ministers resigning from Macron’s cabinet in recent months. This situation is unlikely to resolve quickly, as the political landscape continues to shift, potentially leading to further upheaval in the coming months.