(MENAFN) Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe expressed support on Tuesday for holding an early presidential election once France adopts a national budget.

Philippe told a broadcaster, “I believe he (President Emmanuel Macron) should take some initiative, and it seems to me he would do himself credit if for example, he proposed a name for prime minister ... whose role would be to handle current affairs and prepare a budget, to have that budget passed, and once France has a budget ... he (Macron) announces that he will call an early presidential election.”

However, Philippe made it clear that he does not endorse forcing the president out of office, stressing that “one does not force a president of the republic to leave.” He added, “I’m not in favor of such an immediate and abrupt resignation. It would have a terrible impact; it would prevent a presidential election from being held under proper conditions.”

His comments followed the resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday, the fifth prime minister in under two years, amid mounting criticism of the recently announced Cabinet. Lecornu’s departure has sparked widespread scrutiny of Macron’s leadership.

Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen suggested to BFM TV that Macron’s resignation would be a “wise” step and also urged him to dissolve parliament, calling it “absolutely unavoidable.”

David Lisnard, vice-president of the right-wing Republicans, posted on X that “France’s interest requires that Emmanuel Macron schedule his resignation, in order to preserve the institutions and resolve a situation that has been unavoidable since the absurd dissolution. He is the primary person responsible for this situation.”

Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the French Unbowed (LFI) party, called for the “immediate” consideration of a motion to impeach Macron.

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