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The French leader has called upon Sébastien Lecornu to come back as head of government a mere four days after he left the post, triggering a week of political upheaval and crisis.

Macron declared late on Friday, following consulting with leading factions in one place at the official residence, except for the leaders of the extremist parties.

His reappointment came as a surprise, as he declared on broadcast only two days ago that he was not seeking the position and his task was complete.

It is not even certain whether he will be able to establish a ruling coalition, but he will have to start immediately. He faces a cut-off on the start of the week to present the annual budget before parliament.

Leadership Hurdles and Economic Pressures

Officials announced the president had “tasked [Lecornu] with forming a government”, and those close to the president suggested he had been given full authority to proceed.

The prime minister, who is one of the president's key supporters, then published a detailed message on social media in which he consented to “out of duty” the task given to him by the president, to do everything to finalize financial plans by the end of the year and address the common issues of our compatriots.

Partisan conflicts over how to reduce the country's public debt and balance the books have resulted in the ouster of multiple premiers in the past twelve months, so his challenge is daunting.

France's public debt in the past months was nearly 114 percent of gross domestic product – the third highest in the eurozone – and current shortfall is estimated to amount to 5.4% of the economy.

Lecornu said that everyone must contribute the need of restoring government accounts. Given the limited time before the completion of his mandate, he cautioned that prospective ministers would have to delay their political goals.

Governing Without a Majority

Adding to the difficulty for the prime minister is that he will face a vote of confidence in a legislative body where Macron has no majority to back him. Macron's approval reached its lowest point in the latest survey, according to an Elabe poll that put his public backing on 14 percent.

The far-right leader of the National Rally party, which was left out of the president's discussions with party leaders on the end of the week, said that the prime minister's return, by a president “more than ever isolated and disconnected” at the official residence, is a misstep.

They would immediately bring a challenge against a failing government, whose only reason for being was avoiding a vote, he continued.

Seeking Support

Lecornu at least understands the obstacles ahead as he tries to form a government, because he has already devoted 48 hours this week talking to parties that might support him.

On their own, the central groups cannot form a government, and there are divisions within the traditionalists who have supported the ruling coalition since he lacked support in the previous vote.

So Lecornu will consider socialist factions for future alliances.

To gain leftist support, officials suggested the president was evaluating a pause to some aspects of his highly contentious social security adjustments implemented recently which extended working life from the early sixties.

The offer was inadequate of what left-wing leaders desired, as they were expecting he would choose a premier from their side. The Socialist leader of the leftist party stated without assurances, they would offer no support in a vote of confidence.

The Communist figure from the left-wing party stated following discussions that the left wanted substantive shifts, and a prime minister from the moderate faction would not be supported by the public.

Environmental party head the Green figure expressed shock the president had provided few concessions to the progressives, adding that the situation would deteriorate.