Former PM Edouard Philippe urges Macron to step down after budget approved

Former Prime Minister and Horizons party leader Édouard Philippe urged President Emmanuel Macron to call an early presidential election and step down after the national budget was passed.

Speaking on RTL radio, Philippe said the president should remain in office until the budget was adopted to ensure institutional stability. He suggested Macron appoint a prime minister to manage daily affairs and prepare the budget. Philippe emphasized that passing the budget was essential before any political transition took place.

He argued that Macron’s voluntary departure after the budget’s approval would allow a presidential election to be held under proper conditions. He rejected calls for Macron’s immediate resignation, warning it could create instability. No official response from the Élysée Palace was issued regarding Philippe’s proposal.