Read, Watch or Listen

President Emmanuel Macron has asked Sébastien Lecornu to return as prime minister, four days after he quit, after talks with party leaders at the Élysée that excluded the far right and far left. Granted "carte blanche," Lecornu must present next year's budget by Monday and seek a majority in a National Assembly where Macron lacks one. He faces a confidence vote amid a record-low approval rating for the president and fierce disputes over debt and deficits. National Rally vowed a no-confidence motion, while left-wing leaders withheld support as Macron's team floated delaying parts of his contested pension reform.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.