With France facing deep political instability, observers have begun to compare it to Italy — once seen as Europe’s “bad boy” for its frequent government crises. The latest question is whether France should consider a technocratic government, similar to Italy’s past approach, to restore order and investor confidence.

President Emmanuel Macron is expected to name a new prime minister by Friday, following two days of negotiations led by outgoing PM Sébastien Lecornu. Lecornu said a “platform for stability exists” and that it’s possible to pass a budget by the end of the year. He also made a striking suggestion — that whoever takes the role should be “completely disconnected from presidential ambitions for 2027.”

That idea has fueled speculation about a technocratic cabinet: one made up of experts and administrators rather than party politicians. The goal would be to calm markets, ensure continuity, and buy time until the 2027 presidential election — or a potential snap parliamentary vote in March 2026, when France already holds local elections.

Italy’s experience offers a precedent. Since the 1990s, several technocratic governments — including that of former ECB president Mario Draghi — have stepped in to manage crises and stabilize the economy. Some in France have floated François Villeroy de Galhau, the long-serving governor of the Banque de France, as a potential technocratic leader.

Yet despite its appeal on paper, such an approach may face resistance in France. The French electorate is highly politicized and ideologically engaged, making it difficult to justify a government seen as bypassing democratic legitimacy. Moreover, with critical fiscal reforms ahead — including efforts to cut the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2026 — the next administration will need strong political backing, not just technical expertise.

Ultimately, while a technocratic government could offer temporary calm and policy continuity, it’s uncertain whether it could withstand the political pressures of a country where leadership is as much about public persuasion as technical precision.