But he now faces the final three years of his presidency with no clear majority, and even his closest allies fear the grenade may prove to be a cluster bomb should he step down. An early presidential election could put Ms Le Pen in the Elysée, if current popularity polls are accurate.

In a letter to the French people a fortnight ago in the regional daily press, Mr Macron insisted he would not stand down. “You can trust me to act as your president until May 2027,” he wrote.

Asked by Le Figaro Magazine if he had “lost the plot”, as some have suggested, he said: “No, not at all. I can confirm that I have not. I’m only thinking about France.”

However, one loyal cabinet member remarked: “In seven years, I’ve had the opportunity to spend hours with [Mr Macron]. One day, he can make you a promise straight to your face, and the next day do the complete opposite. Completely the opposite.

“So when he says: I’ll never leave, I have my doubts,” the MP told Le Parisien.