Pakistan, Oct. 7 -- PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron has directed outgoing Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to hold final talks with political parties in an urgent attempt to end France's deepening political turmoil. Lecornu resigned just hours after announcing his cabinet, making his administration the shortest in the nation's modern history. Despite his resignation, Macron has tasked him with negotiating by Wednesday evening to create a stable action plan and restore confidence in the government.

Lecornu accepted the president's request, agreeing to oversee discussions with opposition leaders and allies in the coming days. His resignation earlier on Monday had sent shockwaves through financial markets, causing the euro and Fren...