Elysée seeks calm amid deepening turmoil
President Emmanuel Macron has asked outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to make a final attempt to resolve France’s escalating political crisis, as weeks of parliamentary deadlock threaten to paralyse the government. The move follows Attal’s earlier offer to resign after the collapse of cross-party negotiations and growing unrest within both the ruling Renaissance party and opposition ranks.
A government in limbo
Attal’s resignation came after a series of failed attempts to form a stable majority in the National Assembly following June’s legislative gridlock. Macron, unwilling to accept the resignation immediately, urged him to remain in office temporarily and explore “one last path toward consensus.” The president’s office described the situation as “delicate but not irreversible,” signalling hope for a compromise to restore confidence in France’s governing institutions.
Political divisions widen
The crisis stems from months of political polarisation between Macron’s centrist alliance, the left-wing New Popular Front, and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. None holds a clear parliamentary majority, leaving legislation stalled and confidence votes looming. Macron’s appeal to Attal underscores the government’s determination to avoid snap elections, which polls suggest could hand major gains to the far right.
Public frustration on the rise
Public sentiment has soured amid the stalemate, with nationwide protests reflecting frustration over political infighting and economic stagnation. The paralysis has slowed key reforms on taxation, housing, and energy transition, while opposition parties accuse the president of clinging to power without a mandate. Analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could weaken France’s international credibility and undermine investor confidence.
Uncertain road ahead
Macron’s strategy now hinges on whether Attal can secure a temporary coalition or at least a functional agreement to pass essential legislation. While the prime minister remains loyal to the president, his political future—and that of Macron’s centrist project—hangs in the balance. Should negotiations fail again, the Elysée may face little choice but to dissolve parliament and call early elections, setting the stage for one of France’s most unpredictable political contests in decades.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 7 October 2025
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