Oppositions remain inflexible after Lecornu's intervention
Resigned Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu concluded his negotiations with political forces in an interview on France 2 on October 8, 2025, stating an absolute majority exists in the Assembly to avoid dissolution. Left-wing and far-right oppositions rejected his proposals, demanding an early presidential election or new dissolution. Republicans, internally divided, refuse to join a left or Macronist government.
Sébastien Lecornu, tasked by Emmanuel Macron with conducting 'ultimate negotiations' to resolve the political crisis, presented his conclusions on October 8, 2025, during France 2's 8 p.m. news, after meeting the president at the Élysée. He reported holding talks for forty-eight hours with political forces and being convinced that an 'absolute majority' exists in the National Assembly to prevent a new dissolution. On the contested retirement reform, he deferred the debate to his successor, potentially appointed within two days, without ruling out reopening it.
The left remained inflexible. Jean-Luc Mélenchon and the Insoumis collectively demanded an early presidential election, arguing that 'the comedy has lasted long enough' and 'the people are losing patience' with Macron, according to Mathilde Panot. Boris Vallaud (PS) welcomed Lecornu's recognition that 'the left was right' after years of 'Macronist denial,' urging to 'let the left govern.' Arthur Delaporte (PS) criticized: 'All this for this? An endless wait, a government resigning before even governing.' Marine Tondelier (Greens) warned that a socialist and ecologist government was the only way to avoid dissolution; otherwise, Macron 'must leave.'
The Rassemblement National (RN), which boycotted the negotiations, denounced a 'long chatter' illustrating the 'impasse,' per Jordan Bardella, calling for a 'return to the polls' for a 'new majority.' Sébastien Chenu (RN) called the intervention 'grotesque,' vowing to censure all upcoming governments.
Among Les Républicains (LR), internal divisions surfaced after a videoconference. Bruno Retailleau stated: 'I will not participate' in a government led by a left or Macronist prime minister, also ruling out suspending the retirement reform. Laurent Wauquiez opposed participation, while some suggest support without joining to avoid the 'worst.'
These reactions highlight an ongoing deadlock, with oppositions demanding radical changes to stabilize France.