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The French leader has asked his former prime minister to come back as the nation's premier a mere four days after he stepped down, triggering a stretch of intense uncertainty and instability.

Macron declared on Friday evening, shortly after meeting key political groups in one place at the presidential palace, except for the leaders of the far right and far left.

The decision to reinstate him shocked many, as he declared on broadcast just 48 hours prior that he was not “chasing the job” and his task was complete.

There is uncertainty whether he will be able to form a government, but he will have to act quickly. Lecornu faces a time limit on Monday to present the annual budget before the National Assembly.

Leadership Hurdles and Budgetary Strains

The presidency said the president had given him the duty of creating a administration, and those close to the president implied he had been given “carte blanche” to proceed.

Lecornu, who is one of Macron's closest allies, then issued a comprehensive announcement on an online platform in which he consented to responsibly the task given to him by the president, to do everything to provide France with a budget by the end of the year and tackle the daily concerns of our compatriots.

Political divisions over how to bring down France's national debt and cut the budget deficit have caused the fall of several leaders in the past twelve months, so his task is daunting.

Government liabilities in the past months was almost 114% of gross domestic product – the number three in the eurozone – and this year's budget deficit is estimated to hit over five percent of economic output.

The premier stated that no one can avoid the need of fixing France's public finances. Given the limited time before the end of Macron's presidency, he cautioned that prospective ministers would have to delay their political goals.

Leading Without Support

Compounding the challenge for the prime minister is that he will face a parliamentary test in a National Assembly where the president has no majority to support him. Macron's approval plummeted in the latest survey, according to an Elabe poll that put his support level on 14%.

Jordan Bardella of the far-right National Rally, which was excluded of consultations with faction heads on Friday, remarked that Lecornu's reappointment, by a president out of touch at the presidential palace, is a poor decision.

They would quickly propose a vote of no confidence against a failing government, whose main motivation was fear of an election, Bardella added.

Seeking Support

Lecornu at least understands the obstacles ahead as he tries to build a coalition, because he has already used time lately consulting political groups that might support him.

Alone, the centrist parties are insufficient, and there are disagreements within the right-leaning party who have assisted the ruling coalition since he failed to secure enough seats in recent polls.

So Lecornu will seek left-wing parties for potential support.

To gain leftist support, Macron's team indicated the president was evaluating a pause to portions of his divisive pension reforms implemented recently which raised the retirement age from 62 to 64.

It was insufficient of what left-wing leaders desired, as they were hoping he would choose a prime minister from the left. The Socialist leader of the Socialists stated without assurances, they would offer no support in a vote of confidence.

Fabien Roussel from the Communists stated following discussions that the progressive camp wanted substantive shifts, and a prime minister from the president's centrist camp would not be accepted by the citizens.

Environmental party head Marine Tondelier remarked she was surprised the president had given minimal offers to the progressives, adding that outcomes would be negative.