The French government has collapsed following a no-confidence vote that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier, just three months after his appointment by President Emmanuel Macron. MPs overwhelmingly supported the motion, marking the first such collapse since 1962.
The vote came after Barnier used special presidential powers to push through his controversial budget without parliamentary approval. Opposition parties, including the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and the far-right National Rally (RN), criticized the budget and Barnier’s approach to reforming social security.
With 331 votes in favor of the motion, Barnier must now submit his resignation, though he is likely to remain as caretaker prime minister until Macron appoints a successor. Both the NFP and RN had denounced the €60bn deficit-reduction budget, with Marine Le Pen of the RN calling it “toxic for the French.”
Barnier defended his actions, stating that the country’s financial difficulties could not be ignored, and argued that removing him would not solve the financial issues. As political instability grows, Macron faces mounting pressure to find a resolution.
