Emmanuel Macron is understood to have considered several changes to France’s political make up in a bid to regain control and improve his party’s popularity. The French President is said to have discussed changing prime minister, dissolving the National Assembly, holding a referendum, or even resigning, French newspaper Le Figaro reports.
Mr Macron mooted the options during a videocall with London donors who helped finance his 2017 Presidential campaign.
According to one of the participants, the French President only spoke for about five minutes, where he indicated that he was ready to resign “in the weeks or months to come” if needed.
Such a move would trigger an early presidential election, and Mr Macron hoped he would be able to capitalise on the element of surprise.
The source claimed the French President told the small group: “I am sure I will win because there is no one in front.”
Responding to the comments, the Élysée – the official residence of Mr Macron, said: “In principle, we do not rule out any hypothesis.
They added: “The hypothesis of resignation was never on the agenda or even raised in a meeting at the Élysée.”
Additional reporting by Maria Ortega
More to follow…