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The French leader has called upon his former prime minister to come back as the nation's premier only four days after he left the post, triggering a period of political upheaval and instability.

The president made the announcement towards the end of the week, shortly after meeting leading factions in one place at the Élysée Palace, except for the leaders of the political extremes.

His reappointment was unexpected, as he said on broadcast recently that he was not “chasing the job” and his task was complete.

It is not even certain whether he will be able to establish a ruling coalition, but he will have to hit the ground running. He faces a time limit on Monday to put next year's budget before parliament.

Political Challenges and Economic Pressures

Officials said the president had “tasked [Lecornu] with forming a government”, and Macron's entourage implied he had been given “carte blanche” to make decisions.

Lecornu, who is one of Macron's closest allies, then released a comprehensive announcement on X in which he agreed to take on “out of duty” the task assigned by the president, to strive to finalize financial plans by the December and respond to the common issues of our fellow citizens.

Political divisions over how to bring down France's national debt and cut the budget deficit have resulted in the ouster of two of the past three prime ministers in the last year, so his challenge is daunting.

Government liabilities in the past months was almost 114% of economic output (GDP) – the third highest in the eurozone – and current shortfall is expected to hit over five percent of GDP.

Lecornu emphasized that “no-one will be able to shirk” the need of restoring the nation's budget. In just a year and a half before the completion of his mandate, he advised that anyone joining his government would have to put on hold their presidential ambitions.

Ruling Amid Division

What makes it even harder for Lecornu is that he will face a vote of confidence in a legislative body where Macron has is short of votes to endorse his government. Macron's approval plummeted in the latest survey, according to an Elabe poll that put his public backing on 14 percent.

The far-right leader of the National Rally party, which was not invited of the president's discussions with party leaders on the end of the week, commented that the prime minister's return, by a president “more than ever isolated and disconnected” at the official residence, is a “bad joke”.

The National Rally would quickly propose a challenge against a failing government, whose main motivation was avoiding a vote, Bardella added.

Forming Coalitions

Lecornu at least is aware of the challenges ahead as he tries to establish a cabinet, because he has already spent two days lately meeting with political groups that might support him.

Alone, the moderate factions lack a majority, and there are splits within the traditionalists who have assisted the administration since he failed to secure enough seats in elections last year.

So he will seek progressive groups for future alliances.

In an attempt to court the left, the president's advisors hinted the president was evaluating a pause to part of his divisive retirement changes implemented recently which increased the pension age from 62 up to 64.

It was insufficient of what progressive chiefs wanted, as they were hoping he would choose a leader from their side. Olivier Faure of the Socialists commented lacking commitments, they would withhold backing for the premier.

The Communist figure from the Communists said after meeting the president that the progressive camp wanted substantive shifts, and a prime minister from the moderate faction would not be supported by the French people.

Environmental party head the Green figure remarked she was surprised the president had provided few concessions to the left, adding that “all of this is going to turn out very badly”.