While France has a long history of hefty overspending, economists say political turmoil – which has stalled policymaking – is bringing the country’s debt problem to a head.

Here’s a closer look at the latest act in the unprecedented political drama that’s been roiling France since Macron stunned the nation by dissolving the National Assembly in June 2024, triggering fresh legislative elections that then stacked Parliament’s powerful lower house with his opponents:

French caretaker Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Wednesday a deal could eventually be reached on a 2026 budget despite the country's political crisis, striking a cautiously optimistic tone as he held talks with various parties.

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pick his new prime minister by Friday evening, after outgoing PM Sebastien Lecornu spent two days trying to unlock the political deadlock. Lecornu suggested that whoever the next prime minister is,

Sébastien Lecornu, the country’s outgoing prime minister, said he believed France’s political parties could overcome divisions and avoid snap legislative elections.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigns after 26 days of taking the charge of the office. As Macron promised that he would deliver a France with a revolutionised democracy, this promises seem to fade as the decision create public chaos.