French prime Minister Resigns, Triggering Political turmoil Weeks Into Term
PARIS - Just weeks into his role, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal resigned Monday, throwing the French government into disarray and prompting calls for a snap general election from across the political spectrum. The resignation follows that of Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, though the specific reasons for Attal’s departure remain unclear.
The sudden shift in leadership comes as France grapples with political instability and faces criticism over the government’s handling of the national budget. François-Xavier Bellamy, a member of The Republicans, criticized the government’s failures, stating, “We are here to serve the country, not to serve as a crutch to a political system incapable of renewing itself.”
adding to the pressure, Marine Le Pen – who was convicted in April following an investigation into an embezzlement scheme – and Jordan Bardella are now demanding a snap general election. Marion Marechal, a French member of the European Parliament and niece of Le Pen, directly called for President Macron to “take responsibility and resign.”
The calls for Macron’s resignation extend to the left wing, with Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, declaring, “We are at an impasse. As long as we delay in addressing the heart of the problem, everything will only get worse.”
Xavier Bertrand, President of the council for the Hauts-de-France region, announced he would request The Republicans withdraw from the newly-formed cabinet in protest. The unfolding events signal a deepening crisis for Macron’s government and raise questions about the future of French politics.
