French President Emmanuel Macron has asked outgoing Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his government to remain in their roles temporarily until a new prime minister is appointed, following a historic vote that ousted Barnier from office.
“The Prime Minister today submitted the resignation of his Government to the President of the Republic, who acknowledged it. Michel Barnier, together with the members of the Government, ensures the handling of current affairs until the appointment of a new Government,” the Élysée Palace said in a statement on Thursday.
Barnier’s government was toppled after a coalition of far-right and leftist lawmakers voted against him, plunging France into political uncertainty. Serving only 90 days, Barnier has become the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history.
According to sources who spoke to AFP, Macron is eager to appoint a new premier quickly to prevent a power vacuum in the eurozone’s second-largest economy.
The key issue leading to Barnier’s ouster was his 2025 budget proposal, which included austerity measures that a majority in parliament found unacceptable. Barnier argued that the cuts were necessary to stabilize France’s growing deficit.
Addressing lawmakers before the no-confidence vote on Wednesday, Barnier defended his decision to push through the 2025 social security budget. “France is plunged into an enormous deficit,” he said. “This reality remains there; it will not disappear by the magic of a no-confidence vote.”
The political turmoil raises questions about France’s economic future and the challenges the next prime minister will face in uniting a divided parliament while addressing the nation’s financial concerns.
(With input from agencies)
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Macron asks Barnier and his government to stay on until next PM named
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