French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Sunday was negotiating to form a government after losing a key political ally, with time running short before a fast-approaching budget deadline.

France has been gripped by political instability since President Emmanuel Macron called snap polls last year that he hoped would consolidate power but instead resulted in a hung parliament and gains for the far right.

Macron reinstated Lecornu late Friday, just four days after the premier resigned and his first government collapsed, triggering outrage and vows from opponents to topple any new cabinet at the first chance.

The former defence minister must now assemble a government to present a 2026 draft budget before a Tuesday deadline, giving parliament the constitutionally required 70 days to scrutin

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