PARIS, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- France's political turmoil shows no sign of easing. On Monday, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigned less than a month after taking office and barely a day after forming his cabinet, throwing President Emmanuel Macron's government back into crisis.

At Macron's request, Lecornu continues to take part in "final negotiations." In a televised interview on Wednesday, he said a new prime minister was expected to be appointed within 48 hours -- the eighth under Macron's two presidential terms.

Analysts say the latest upheaval underscores the fragility of France's political system, where no single bloc commands a parliamentary majority. With the 2027 presidential election approaching and polarization deepening, the "post-Macron era" is already taking shape amid questions over how the country can break its political deadlock.

DEEPER DEADLOCK?

The Elysee Palace announced Wednesday evening that Macron could name a new prime minister within two days. Lecornu told TV channel France 2 that despite differing conditions from various parties during negotiations, "a path forward is possible," as many political forces still seek stability. He also said the likelihood of Macron dissolving the National Assembly and calling snap elections appeared to be diminishing.

However, major opposition parties, the far-right National Rally (RN) and the hard left La France Insoumise (LFI), have refused to join the talks. RN leader Marine Le Pen vowed to "block any government" and "vote against everything," while the LFI's Jean-Luc Melenchon reiterated his demand for immediate presidential elections.

If Macron avoids dissolving parliament, he must appoint a new premier -- a risky political move. Whoever assumes the role will likely face the same gridlock that brought down Lecornu and his predecessors, Michel Barnier and Francois Bayrou, both ousted by parliamentary votes.

Since the 2022 legislative election, Macron's centrist coalition has governed without an absolute majority, often relying on the conservative Les Republicains (LR) for support in passing legislation, leaving any government fragile and vulnerable to collapse.

Lecornu declined to say whether his successor would come from the left or be a politically neutral technocrat. Some observers estimate that Macron may opt for a moderate or nonpartisan figure capable of easing tensions across party lines.

ROOT CAUSES

Experts say the revolving door of prime ministers and recurring street protests reveal two persistent challenges: deep partisan divisions and sluggish economic growth.

In his resignation speech, Lecornu blamed the deadlock on parties' refusal to compromise over pension reform, a flashpoint issue that has divided the parliament and the public.

He added that some political leaders are already positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race, prioritizing partisan gains over national interests.

Paul Taylor, a senior visiting fellow at the European Policy Centre, noted that France's parliamentary blocs remain divided over pensions, budgets and immigration.

"The governability of France is declining," said Jean-Francois Robin, global head of research at French bank Natixis CIB.

Macron's decision to call early parliamentary elections in 2024 has further fragmented parliament, leading to repeated government collapses and near paralysis in policymaking. Meanwhile, weak growth has strained France's welfare system. Pension reforms and the draft 2026 budget, both aimed at curbing spending, have fueled tensions between political camps.

The Wall Street Journal observed that France's deeper troubles lie in a "bloated budget and anemic economy," warning that even a new legislature is unlikely to resolve these structural issues.

Official data show that France's public debt reached 3,345.8 billion euros (about 3,872.7 billion U.S. dollars), or 114 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), at the end of the first quarter of 2025. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects GDP growth in France will slow to 0.6 percent in 2025.

SHIFTING POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

Opinion polls suggest that public confidence in Macron has eroded sharply. As the president cannot seek a third term in 2027, political forces are already maneuvering for the post-Macron era.

On the left, the LFI has repeatedly called for Macron's resignation, while the Socialist Party (PS) and Les Verts advocate forming a coalition government led by a left-wing prime minister.

Centrist figure and former prime minister Edouard Philippe argued that only an early presidential election could break the impasse, urging Macron to step down after next year's budget is passed. Philippe announced his own presidential bid last year.

On the right, the LR's leader Bruno Retailleau has ruled out joining any coalition led by a left-wing or Macron-aligned prime minister.

Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, the three-time far-right presidential candidate, has already launched her campaign, according to media reports.

France's political crisis has drawn concern across Europe. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stressed the importance of maintaining France's fiscal credibility.

"A stable France is crucial for Europe," said German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius when asked about the situation. Enditem