Marine Le Pen Threatens to Halt New French Government Formation
Right-wing politician Marine Le Pen has called on President Emmanuel Macron to either dissolve the National Assembly or resign, signaling a deepening political crisis in France. Le Pen’s National Rally (RN) party, which holds the largest single-party representation in parliament, is vowing to block any new government action following Macron’s announcement to appoint a new prime minister within two days. The RN’s stance reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current government, particularly amid France’s record-high debt and contentious budget debates.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned on Monday after criticism of his cabinet choices, prompting Macron to ask him to remain in office as caretaker until midweek. Macron’s decision to avoid parliamentary dissolution is aimed at forming a compromise coalition government capable of passing the 2026 budget. However, RN’s party president Jordan Bardella has repeatedly argued that the only solution to the political impasse is Macron’s resignation or a new election, framing the current situation as a far-right-led push for systemic change.
Parliamentary leaders have rejected a bid to impeach Macron, with left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) leader Mathilde Panot blaming abstaining RN lawmakers for blocking the motion. RN has dismissed impeachment efforts as political theater, emphasizing their demand for a fundamental shift in governance. The ongoing crisis follows Macron’s gamble on snap elections last year, which resulted in a hung parliament and increased representation for the far right. RN now holds nearly one-quarter of the National Assembly’s 577 seats, with recent opinion polls showing the party leading with around 35% of voting intentions, ahead of Macron’s centrist alliance.
Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate who lost to Macron in 2017 and 2022, faces legal challenges after being barred from holding public office due to a French court’s ruling on her conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds. Meanwhile, Bardella is seen as a potential future presidential contender, signaling a generational shift within the far-right movement. The situation underscores the deepening political fragmentation in France, with nationalist and conservative factions gaining increased influence at the expense of centrist governance.
The broader context of France’s political landscape includes ongoing debates over economic policy, with the 2026 budget becoming a focal point of contention. With the country’s debt at record levels, the challenge for Macron and his government remains significant, as they seek to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to navigate an increasingly polarized political environment. The crisis highlights the risks of political polarization and the potential for governance paralysis in a deeply divided democracy.