French Prime Minister Michel Barnier to Resign Following No-Confidence Vote, Plunging France Into Political Turmoil
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is set to resign after far-right and leftist lawmakers united in a dramatic no-confidence vote that ousted his government. The decision has plunged France, the eurozone’s second-largest economy, into a deepening political crisis.
Barnier, who became prime minister just three months ago, will now hold the dubious distinction of being the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history, pending President Emmanuel Macron’s formal acceptance of his resignation. French media reported that Barnier met Macron for over an hour at the Élysée Palace before departing. However, no official confirmation of his resignation has yet been made.
Challenges Await Macron and France
Barnier’s successor will face immense challenges, including navigating a fractured parliament to pass the 2025 budget and tackling France’s deteriorating public finances. A recent online poll revealed that 64% of voters want Macron himself to step down, further emphasizing the growing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
Macron is under mounting pressure to appoint a new prime minister swiftly. Insiders suggest that Macron aims to have a replacement in place before Saturday’s reopening ceremony for Notre-Dame Cathedral, which will host global leaders, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
France’s political crisis comes at a precarious moment for the European Union, already shaken by the collapse of Germany’s coalition government. The instability could have significant consequences for the EU as it faces pressing economic and geopolitical challenges.
A Government Toppled Amid Controversy
The no-confidence vote was triggered by Barnier’s attempt to push a social security budget through parliament without a vote, a move that provoked strong opposition from both the far left and far right. Critics accused him of bypassing democratic processes.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), placed the blame squarely on Macron. “The main culprit for the current situation is Emmanuel Macron,” Le Pen said in an interview with TF1. “The dissolution [of parliament in June] and censorship [of the government] are the consequence of his policies and the considerable divide which exists today between him and the French.”
The crisis stems from Macron’s controversial decision to call a snap parliamentary election in June, resulting in a hung parliament and intensifying divisions. Though Macron’s mandate extends until 2027, critics argue his leadership has exacerbated political fractures within France.
Economic Ripples of Political Uncertainty
Barnier’s ousting has already rattled financial markets. Investor concerns have pushed up the risk premium on French sovereign bonds and dampened confidence in equities. SocGen analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty could weaken both investment and consumer spending, further straining the economy.
With constitutional rules preventing another parliamentary election before July, France faces an extended period of political instability. According to a Toluna Harris Interactive poll for RTL, while a slim majority of voters approved the no-confidence vote, many fear the long-term economic repercussions of the ongoing crisis.
What Lies Ahead?
As Macron races to appoint a new premier, the broader implications of the crisis remain unclear. The turmoil highlights the deep divisions within French society and raises questions about Macron’s ability to lead in the face of mounting opposition.
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