(MENAFN) Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe said Tuesday that he supports the idea of holding an early presidential election in France once a national budget has been passed.

Speaking to RTL, Philippe suggested that President Emmanuel Macron could appoint a prime minister to manage current affairs and secure budget approval before announcing an early election.

Philippe emphasized that he does not favor forcing the president to resign abruptly, saying such a move would have “a terrible impact” and prevent an election from being conducted under proper conditions.

The remarks come after Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, the fifth prime minister in less than two years, resigned on Monday following criticism of his newly announced Cabinet. Lecornu had been appointed after François Bayrou lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on Sept. 8.

Bayrou had introduced a 2026 budget framework in July aimed at reducing France’s public debt by nearly €44 billion, amid a national debt reaching 115% of GDP and a budget deficit of 5.8% of GDP.

Lecornu’s resignation reignited criticism of Macron. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen called for Macron’s resignation and parliamentary dissolution, while right-wing Republicans’ vice-president David Lisnard argued that Macron should step down to preserve institutions. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon also urged immediate consideration of impeachment, and LFI parliamentary leader Mathilde Panot shared a petition calling for Macron’s removal.

France’s budget negotiations have repeatedly triggered political instability. The collapse of the Michel Barnier government last December occurred after left-wing and far-right parties united against the 2025 budget, highlighting the ongoing challenges Macron faces in governing amid deep political divisions.

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