French President Emmanuel Macron is facing mounting pressure to resign or call early elections amid a deepening political crisis. Five prime ministers have resigned in under two years, and his latest appointee, Sébastien Lecornu, lasted just 14 hours before being asked to continue coalition talks.

Calls for Macron to step down, once fringe, are now gaining mainstream attention. Former prime ministers Edouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal have openly criticised his leadership, with Philippe suggesting Macron should “step aside in an orderly way” to resolve the deadlock.

The political turmoil has unsettled markets, with French stocks falling and concerns rising over the national deficit. Public frustration is also growing, with citizens expressing embarrassment over France’s image abroad.

Efforts to form a new government continue, but divisions in parliament remain sharp. The far-right National Rally has refused to join talks, instead demanding the National Assembly be dissolved. However, polls suggest a new election would likely produce another deadlock.