This is a spectacular rupture between former allies: Eduard Philippe, Prime Minister of France From 2017 to 2020 and central figure of initial macronism, he stated on Tuesday (07.10.2025) on RTL radio that the Emmanuel Macron “He has to take an initiative” against the political impasse facing the country.
“I am not in favor of an immediate and violent resignation … But Emmanuel Macron has to announce that he will organize early presidential elections,” he said, noting that the vote could be carried out after the budget was approved for 2026, so that there is time for a right.
A former ally who became a political opponent
Eduard Philippe, who has already announced his intention to be a candidate in the next presidential election, now appears as one of the main contenders for Macron’s succession. According to polls, he could reach the second round against the Rassemblement National candidate.
His call for resignation comes as the political crisis in France deepens: Sebasten Lecorni’s government resigned Monday, just 14 hours after its formation – the third government falling in one year.
In the Horizons Central Party, which he founded in 2021, Philip was accepting increasing pressure to openly differentiate the president. Many of his associates urged him to “take advantage of the moment” to present himself as a reliable alternative.
Centers leave the “Macron ship”
According to Politico, this attitude marks a turning point: the president’s center supporters gradually leave the ship. Prior to Philip, several former prime ministers – Francois Bairou, Michel Barnier and more recently by Gabriel Atal – failed to rule a national assembly without a stable majority.
Gabriel Atal, a former prime minister of Macron today, who is currently leading the Renaissance party, also expressed his frustration: “I no longer understand the president’s decisions,” he said, accusing him of “insisting on holding his power”.
A public opinion divided but tired
According to a poll by the ELABE Institute, published Monday, 51 % of the French believe that a resignation of Emmanuel Macron would help to relieve the political crisis, while 26 % believe it would exacerbate it. The remaining 23 % did not express an opinion.
If Macron had indeed decided to leave the Champs Elysee, a new presidential election would have to be held within 20 to 35 days. His term officially ends in 2027 – but the political storm raging in Paris could end his presidency much earlier.