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President Emmanuel Macron has requested Sébastien Lecornu to come back as French prime minister just days after he resigned, sparking a period of intense uncertainty and crisis.

The president declared on Friday evening, shortly after meeting leading factions in one place at the presidential palace, except for the leaders of the far right and far left.

His reappointment shocked many, as he said on broadcast only two days ago that he was not interested in returning and his “mission is over”.

Doubts remain whether he will be able to assemble a cabinet, but he will have to start immediately. Lecornu faces a deadline on the start of the week to submit financial plans before lawmakers.

Governing Obstacles and Economic Pressures

The Élysée confirmed the president had “tasked [Lecornu] with forming a government”, and Macron's entourage suggested he had been given “carte blanche” to act.

Lecornu, who is one of Macron's closest allies, then released a comprehensive announcement on an online platform in which he consented to responsibly the mission given to him by the president, to make every effort to finalize financial plans by the December and tackle the everyday problems of our compatriots.

Partisan conflicts over how to reduce France's national debt and cut the budget deficit have led to the ouster of two of the past three prime ministers in the past twelve months, so his challenge is immense.

Government liabilities earlier this year was close to 114% of economic output (GDP) – the third highest in the euro area – and current shortfall is estimated to amount to 5.4 percent of GDP.

The premier stated that no one can avoid the need of repairing the nation's budget. Given the limited time before the end of Macron's presidency, he cautioned that anyone joining his government would have to delay their aspirations for higher office.

Governing Without a Majority

What makes it even harder for the prime minister is that he will face a vote of confidence in a National Assembly where Macron has no majority to endorse his government. The president's popularity hit a record low recently, according to research that put his approval rating on 14 percent.

The far-right leader of the far-right National Rally, which was not invited of Macron's talks with faction heads on Friday, commented that the decision, by a president increasingly isolated at the Élysée, is a poor decision.

His party would immediately bring a motion of censure against a failing government, whose only reason for being was fear of an election, the leader stated.

Building Alliances

Lecornu at least understands the obstacles he faces as he tries to build a coalition, because he has already used time lately consulting parties that might participate in his administration.

Alone, the centrist parties are insufficient, and there are divisions within the traditionalists who have helped prop up Macron's governments since he lacked support in recent polls.

So Lecornu will seek left-wing parties for potential support.

In an attempt to court the left, Macron's team hinted the president was thinking of postponing to portions of his controversial retirement changes enacted last year which increased the pension age from the early sixties.

The offer was inadequate of what socialist figures wanted, as they were hoping he would appoint a leader from their camp. Olivier Faure of the leftist party stated lacking commitments, they would withhold backing in a vote of confidence.

Fabien Roussel from the Communists said after meeting the president that the left wanted real change, and a premier from the president's centrist camp would not be accepted by the citizens.

Greens leader the Green figure said she was “stunned” Macron had provided few concessions to the left, adding that outcomes would be negative.