President Emmanuel Macron gave Sébastien Lecornu 48 hours to resolve the crisis, saying he will 'take his responsibilities' if efforts fail. The move was a way of pushing the Socialists and conservatives toward compromise.

President Emmanuel Macron on Monday accepted Lecornu's resignation, the Elysee Palace said, plunging the European nation further into political deadlock.

The president's office announced that Sébastien Lecornu had tendered his resignation on Monday morning, hours after his new government had been announced.