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They Lost Another Prime Minister. What Is Going on With the French?

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 8:39 GMT by Townhall
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They Lost Another Prime Minister: What Is Going On With the French?
An In‑Depth Look at the Latest Shake‑Ups in Parisian Politics

When the article titled “They Lost Another Prime Minister: What Is Going On With the French” hit the Townhall.com front page on October 6, 2025, it prompted an instant discussion across political blogs and comment sections. The piece—written by Matt Vespa, a frequent contributor to the site—highlights the most recent resignation of a French head of government and uses that moment to question the very structure of France’s semi‑presidential system. In this summary we unpack the main arguments, trace the historical context that has led to this point, and explore the broader implications for France, the European Union, and the future of political stability in the country.

A Recurring Pattern of Resignations

Vespa opens by noting that France has “just lost another prime minister,” a phrase that may sound dramatic but is, in fact, a familiar refrain for the country’s modern political narrative. The article catalogues the succession of short‑lived administrations that have followed the rise of Emmanuel Macron’s Renaissance party. Jean Castex, who served as prime minister from July 2022 until early 2023, resigned amid a wave of protests and a shrinking parliamentary majority. He was followed by Élizabeth Borne, who struggled to maintain cohesion within the governing coalition, and her successor—whose name is still being debated in the corridors of the Élysée Palace—has now stepped down as well.

According to Vespa, the pattern reveals a deeper issue: France’s constitutional design, which blends a strong executive with a parliamentary system, often forces the president to appoint a prime minister who can command a majority in the National Assembly. Yet the political landscape has become so fractured that even the most seasoned politicians find it hard to secure that majority. The article stresses that this instability is not a one‑off event but a chronic feature of French politics, particularly since the Fifth Republic was established in 1958.

The Anatomy of French Political Instability

Vespa offers a concise explanation of why the country’s semi‑presidential system can produce such a revolving door of prime ministers. He points to three core elements:

1. Fragmented Party Landscape: The traditional dominance of the Socialist Party and the Republican party has waned. Instead, a spectrum of new political movements has emerged—ranging from far‑left parties like La France Insoumise to far‑right groups such as the National Rally. This fragmentation makes it hard to form stable coalitions.

2. Presidential Power vs. Parliamentary Control: The president can propose a prime minister, but the candidate must have the confidence of the National Assembly. When the president’s party does not hold a majority, the prime minister is forced to negotiate with opposition parties, often diluting policy agendas.

3. Economic and Social Pressures: Persistent inflation, rising living costs, and a sluggish job market have spurred widespread protests. The government’s attempts to impose tax reforms or austerity measures are frequently met with public backlash, leading to resignations or votes of no confidence.

The article also cites recent data: in 2025, France’s unemployment rate hovered around 7.2 %, and inflation remained stubbornly above the European Central Bank’s 2 % target. These statistics, Vespa argues, create a “ticking time bomb” that can easily topple even the most robust administrations.

Emmanuel Macron’s Role and the “Renaissance” Party

A central focus of the article is the impact of Emmanuel Macron’s presidency. Vespa presents the former president as a polarizing figure whose reforms have aimed at strengthening France’s global standing but have simultaneously alienated large swaths of the electorate. His party, the Renaissance (formerly La République En Marche), struggled to build lasting alliances. The article discusses how Macron’s push for a more technocratic, liberal economic agenda faced resistance from both traditional left‑wing parties and emerging nationalist groups.

The author also delves into the political fallout from Macron’s attempts to centralize authority. Critics argue that by concentrating power in the presidency, he has weakened the role of the prime minister and the National Assembly, creating an environment ripe for instability. Vespa notes that while the president can influence policy, the ultimate success of any administration depends on the prime minister’s ability to navigate a highly competitive political arena—a task that has become increasingly difficult in the current climate.

Implications for the European Union

While the article’s primary focus is domestic politics, Vespa does not ignore the broader European context. France’s role as a leading member of the European Union means that internal turmoil can ripple through EU policy discussions. The article highlights concerns that the frequent changes in Paris may hamper France’s ability to provide steady leadership on issues such as climate change, defense cooperation, and the Eurozone’s fiscal stability.

Moreover, the author warns that France’s instability could embolden other European nations to pursue more unilateral policies, especially if they believe that France’s political apparatus is too weakened to effectively coordinate collective actions. This has particular relevance to ongoing debates about the EU’s future direction—whether to deepen integration or to accommodate more nationalistic tendencies.

Looking Forward: Potential Solutions and Predictions

Vespa offers several potential remedies for France’s chronic instability. He advocates for a constitutional overhaul that would:

• Clarify the Division of Power: Strengthen the role of the prime minister in legislative negotiations and reduce the president’s unilateral decision‑making.

• Encourage Coalition Building: Introduce mechanisms that incentivize political parties to form broader alliances, thereby reducing the likelihood of no‑confidence votes.

• Reform the Electoral System: Shift toward a more proportional representation that can better reflect the electorate’s preferences while maintaining governability.

The article also speculates on possible successors to the current prime minister. Vespa identifies several names that could ascend: a seasoned technocrat from the finance ministry, a charismatic figure from the centrist fringe, or even a popular opposition leader willing to negotiate a coalition. While he cautions that any of these options carry risks, he suggests that a more inclusive approach could bring stability.

Bottom Line

“The article ultimately paints a picture of a France that is caught in a cycle of political instability. Vespa’s argument is that the current semi‑presidential system, coupled with a fragmented party landscape and economic challenges, makes it almost inevitable that prime ministers will be replaced at frequent intervals. The resignation of the latest prime minister is less a one‑off event and more a symptom of structural problems that have been building for years.

While the author’s tone is critical of Macron’s presidency and the existing constitutional framework, he also acknowledges the complexities of steering a modern European democracy. The article calls for a thoughtful debate on whether France should remain in its current political format or pursue reforms that could provide a more stable, effective government.

In the end, the article invites readers to consider that the most pressing question is not merely “who will be the next prime minister,” but how France can reorganize its political architecture to ensure that a government can not only be formed but also survive long enough to implement meaningful policy. Whether that solution comes through constitutional amendments, new political coalitions, or a more decisive presidential strategy remains to be seen, but the urgency of the issue is unmistakable.