France faces regime crisis as Macron reappoints Lecornu amid political fragmentation

France is facing a potential regime crisis as President Emmanuel Macron reappointed Sébastien Lecornu as prime minister on Friday night, just four days after Lecornu resigned following the collapse of his first government. This rapid turnaround has raised concerns about the stability of the French political system.

For decades, the French presidency has depended on the fait majoritaire, an automatic parliamentary majority that typically accompanies a newly elected head of state. However, this tradition appears to be over. Since losing his absolute majority in 2022, Macron"s government has entered what historian Nicolas Roussellier describes as “an age of tri-polarisation.”

The National Assembly is now dominated by three irreconcilable blocs: a socialist and environmentalist Left, a pro-European liberal centre, and a sovereigntist far-Right. None of these groups can command a majority, leading to a fragmented political landscape.

Political analyst Mr. Duhamel stated, “France has now moved beyond a political crisis. I think it’s a regime crisis.” Even members of Macron"s centrist party have expressed concerns that the Fifth Republic, established during the Algerian war to address chronic instability, may no longer be suitable for the current political climate.

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As the situation develops, observers will be watching closely for any further changes in the French political landscape.