New French PM expected to be appointed within next 48 hours: Lecornu

PARIS -- Outgoing French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Wednesday night that President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours.

"I feel that a path forward is possible," Lecornu told TV channel France 2, adding that the current situation allows the president to proceed with the appointment.

"It's up to him to conduct the final consultations," Lecornu said.

Amid calls from opposition parties for Macron to call early presidential elections to end political deadlock, Lecornu said it was "not the time to change the president." He added that Macron would address the nation "in due course."

Lecornu also addressed several major policy issues, saying that a "path should be found" to resume debate on pension reform. He warned that suspending the reform would cost at least 3 billion euros ($3.5 billion) in 2027.

Speaking about the draft budget for 2026, Lecornu said it could be presented to the cabinet next Monday. He noted that the plan "will not be perfect" and would require extensive debate.

Lecornu resigned on Monday, less than a month after being appointed by Macron, and one day after unveiling part of his cabinet lineup.