France has plunged into political turmoil after Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government was toppled by a no-confidence vote on Wednesday. The unprecedented move marks the first time a French government has been felled by such a vote since 1962, and leaves Europe’s second-largest economy facing uncertainty.
Lawmakers from both the far-right and the left united to pass the motion with a majority of 331 votes, forcing Barnier to tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron. Barnier’s minority government, which held power for just three months, now holds the record for the shortest tenure in the history of France’s Fifth Republic.
The government’s downfall was triggered by its attempt to push through a controversial budget plan aimed at saving 60 billion euros ($63.07 billion) to reduce a massive deficit. Lacking majority support in parliament, Barnier invoked special constitutional powers to adopt parts of the budget without a final vote, a move that angered opposition parties.
“This deficit reality will not disappear by the magic of a motion of censure,” Barnier warned lawmakers before the vote. “The budget deficit will come back to haunt whichever government comes next.”
The political crisis comes after a snap election in June called by President Macron, which resulted in a deeply polarized parliament. With the government now in disarray, France risks ending the year without a stable administration or a 2025 budget. However, constitutional provisions may prevent a government shutdown similar to those seen in the United States.
The upheaval in France adds to the European Union’s challenges, especially following the recent collapse of Germany’s coalition government. The timing is particularly critical as it precedes U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Sebastien Lecornu, the outgoing Defense Minister, expressed concerns that the political instability could impact France’s support for Ukraine.
The hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party has demanded President Macron’s resignation, intensifying the pressure on the nation’s leadership. Meanwhile, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, head of the National Rally party, welcomed Barnier’s downfall.
“I’m not pushing for Macron’s resignation,” Le Pen stated. “The pressure on the president will get greater and greater. Only he will make that decision.”
As France navigates this crisis, the nation and the world watch closely to see how one of Europe’s key players will move forward in these uncertain times.
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French government felled in no-confidence vote, deepening crisis
cgtn.com
