Macron should step down early and call presidential vote, says his first PM

Édouard Philippe, the former prime minister of France, has suggested that President Emmanuel Macron should step down early and call for a new presidential election. This intervention comes a day after Macron's latest prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, resigned just days into her role. Philippe, who served as Macron's prime minister from 2017 to 2020, believes that the recent political turmoil in France has undermined the president's authority and that calling an early election would be the best course of action. He argues that this would allow the French people to voice their opinion on the direction of the country and provide a fresh mandate for the next administration. The article notes that Macron's presidency has been marked by a series of challenges, including the "yellow vest" protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The resignation of Borne has further fueled speculation about the stability of Macron's government and his ability to effectively lead the country.