• Edouard Philippe calls for an early presidential election to resolve France's political deadlock.
• The resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has intensified calls for government reform.
• Philippe warns of potential "collapse of the state" amidst rising public debt and political turmoil.

Edouard Philippe, former French Prime Minister and ally of President Emmanuel Macron, has called for an early presidential election on October 7, emphasizing the urgent need to address France's deepening political crisis. In remarks made during an interview with RTL, Philippe cautioned that failure to act could lead to a "collapse of the state," linking the crisis to France's soaring public debt, which now stands at €3.4 trillion ($4 trillion) and represents the third-highest in the European Union after Greece and Italy, according to Le Monde and TRT World.

Philippe, who served as Prime Minister from 2017 to 2020, advised Macron to appoint a new prime minister to push through the government’s budget before calling for the early elections. His remarks followed the resignation of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, whose brief tenure lasted only 26 days and became marked by failed attempts to form a stable government, according to BBC and TRT World.

Amidst the ongoing political chaos, Lecornu's government faced backlash after the unveiling of a cabinet that retained many members from the previous administration, leading to his resignation. He has now embarked on a last-ditch effort to negotiate with political leaders to form a "platform of action and stability," but his authority remains unsteady as the parliament remains deeply fractured following the snap elections of 2024, according to Le Monde and BBC.

Philippe's call for elections has echoed across the political spectrum, as even members of Macron's own party express dissatisfaction with the current direction. Gabriel Attal, a centrist lawmaker and former prime minister, articulated confusion over Macron's strategic decisions and emphasized the need for a new approach to governance. "I do not understand the president's decisions anymore," he stated, reinforcing the urgency for constitutional stability, according to BBC and TRT World.

The situation is intensified as the president's approval ratings continue to plummet, with surveys indicating that a majority of citizens believe he should resign. As France confronts this significant political instability, Philippe advises against an abrupt resignation, stating it could negatively impact the potential for future elections. Instead, he argues for a stable transition that respects the institutions of the state, according to Le Monde, BBC, and TRT World.