“We may have a new prime minister in 48 hours,” the outgoing French prime minister said Sebastian Following the meeting he had previously with the French president Emmanuel Macronintensifying concerns about the political thriller in France. “I told the President of the Republic that the prospects of the government’s dismantling are being reduced and that I believe that the situation allows the president to appoint a prime minister within the next 48 hours,” Lecorne said.

In an interview with France TV, Lekorni said: “From the night, I think the mission is completed. There is a majority in Parliament that is against the dissolution of the Parliament. “

Asked if he would be prime minister again next week, he replied that he resigned on Monday and agreed to continue his talks for 48 hours at the request of Macron.

The presenter on the channel insisted on the issue, asking Lecorn to confirm whether he or another would be the next French prime minister. Lekorni said the French parliament is “fragmented”, but there is still a possibility of a compromise. He added that there is an absolute majority in parliament that denies new elections. Lekorni also expressed the belief that there is still a way for French MPs to agree on a budget. He admitted that this is difficult, but stressed that he believes that Macron can appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours to work in this direction.

After 48 hours of negotiations, we now know with certainty that Sebastian Lecorni will not withdraw his resignation, the BBC comments. It remains unknown for the time being who could be the next Prime Minister of France. All we know is that the next prime minister is in Macron’s hands and Lecorne believes that the head of state may appoint someone within the next two days.

Missing ‘willingness to compromise in parliament’

Lekorni also said in the meantime that what is missing in France is the “willingness to compromise in parliament”. He said he refused to promote the budget because he wanted all the parties to discuss him and take responsibility for their positions.

It is recalled that the biggest challenge faced by Lekorni and his two predecessors was how to deal with the country’s unbearable public debt, as well as how to overcome the ideological divisions between the center’s parties. Earlier this year, public debt was € 3,345 billion or almost 114% of GDP.

The “thorn” of retirement system reform

Lekorni also said that the controversial reform of Macron’s pension system was one of the biggest obstacles in negotiations to set up a new government. “We need to find a way to have a debate on reforming the pension system,” the outgoing French prime minister said. Suspension of reform, which includes an increase in retirement age by two years to 64, will cost the Treasury of € 3 billion in 2027 at the Treasury, he said. Asked if the country is heading for the suspension of retirement reform, he replied that this is “one of the most complex” issues that plague France. “We have a lot of problems to solve pensions. Some are calling for their suspension, others their abolition, others are opposed but they recognize the costs … opinions are different, “he said. Referring to the fact that the measure passed without a vote, he said that the “democratic debate” would take place in the next presidential election – scheduled for 2027 – and that a way should be found. “Even if my successors do not have a discussion on this issue, the issue will certainly be raised during the next election campaign,” he insisted.

“Parties cannot say they will vote against a budget without examining it.”

“The consequences of non -training budget by the end of the year will be active for the country. We will meet our goal of this year’s deficit, “he added. He also noted that he has drafted a draft budget, which, he said, will be presented on Monday. He will be open for discussion, especially with regard to the social consequences he could have, he said, adding: “But the debate must start … The parties cannot say that they will vote against him without examining him.” “The problem right now is that this political crisis must be resolved,” he continued. “A government must form and discuss and approve the budget by the Council of Ministers.”

Support to Macron

“I don’t think now is a good time to change the president of our country,” Lecorni said, referring to a need for a steady figure internationally. He added that the public should not underestimate the international pressure that Macron receives. “Macron will address the French people for the political situation,” he added. Asked when the French President will address the nation, Lecorne replied that he was an outgoing prime minister and not the head of Macron’s office. “Macron will decide when the right time is,” he said.

‘I tried’

Before the interview was completed, Lekorni was asked again if he could be prime minister again in 48 hours and whether there would be a new government. Lekorni responded by saying he resigned because there were no conditions to stay in the position of Prime Minister. He noted that he would not return to a place under such circumstances and added: “Tonight my mission is over.” If his mission was successful, he replied “not completely … but I tried”.