After eight years in office, Emmanuel Macron's position as president is coming under increasing pressure as France's political crisis escalates.
Macron once called himself maître des horloges - master of the clocks - but his command of timing is not what it was. For the third time in a year his choice of prime minister has resigned, and opinion polls suggest almost three-quarters of voters think the president should step down too.
Macron has repeatedly said he will not leave office early, and France is now waiting to find out if a new government can be formed, or if he has to dissolve parliament.
How did we get here?
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his resignation at the start of a day of political drama on Monday, after only 26 days in the job. Hours later he said he had accepted Macron's request to stay on for another 48 hours - until the end of Wednesday - to hold last-ditch talks with political parties for the stability of the country.
The unexpected twists were the latest in a long series of upheavals that began with Macron's decision to call a snap parliamentary election in June 2024. The result was a hung parliament in which Macron's centrist partners lost their majority and had to seek alliances with other parties.
It's all about France's debt
The challenge facing Lecornu and his predecessors has been how to tackle France's crippling national debt, with public debt standing at €3.4 trillion—almost 114% of GDP. Criticism neared as Lecornu couldn't even present a budget plan before resigning.
What happens now?
Lecornu has just days to propose stability or face the possibility of new elections, which could pave the way for Marine Le Pen's National Rally gaining power. Four outcomes are on the table, each with daunting implications.
Who are the key figures in this crisis?
Political leaders from various sides, including the hard-right and radical left, are showing growing hostility towards Macron. Figures like Marine Le Pen have expressed readiness for elections, while others are pushing for deeper reform.
Has Macron run out of road?
Symbolically walking along the River Seine after yet another prime minister resigned, Macron faces his toughest political decisions yet. As calls for his resignation grow, the future government of France is left hanging in the balance.
