French government collapses as Prime Minister Michel Barnier loses no-confidence vote

French lawmakers vote to oust PM in first successful no-confidence vote since 1962

The French government has collapsed following Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s ousting in a historic no-confidence vote on Wednesday, just three months after his appointment by President Emmanuel Macron. This marks the first time since 1962 that a French government has fallen through such a vote.

Members of Parliament voted 331 in favor of the motion, surpassing the required 288 votes. The vote was called by opposition parties after Barnier controversially used special presidential powers to bypass parliamentary approval and push through his budget. This move sparked outrage across the political spectrum.

Barnier, who was appointed in an effort to stabilize France’s fragmented parliament after snap elections, will now be required to resign. However, he is expected to remain as caretaker prime minister while Macron selects a successor. The budget, which triggered the collapse, is now void.

Contentious budget and political divisions

Barnier’s proposed budget aimed to reduce the deficit by €60 billion (£49 billion) but faced fierce opposition from both the left and the far-right. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), the largest parliamentary bloc, and the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen, both rejected the measures as damaging to social security and financially burdensome for ordinary citizens.

Le Pen called the budget “toxic for the French” and described the vote as “the only dignified solution” for opposition MPs. In an interview with French broadcaster TF1, she emphasized the need for respecting the voters’ voice and political forces, though she refrained from demanding President Macron’s resignation.

A government in crisis

The collapse adds to the political instability plaguing France since the summer’s snap elections left no party or coalition with a parliamentary majority. Macron’s decision to appoint centrist Barnier over the NFP’s candidate further strained relations with opposition groups.

Barnier defended his budget in a final plea to the National Assembly, stating that “difficult measures” were necessary to address the country’s mounting debt. “We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility,” he said, though his appeals failed to sway MPs.

Macron’s next steps

President Macron, returning from a state visit to Saudi Arabia, is set to address the nation in a televised speech on Thursday. While the no-confidence vote does not directly impact his presidency, the government’s collapse has added pressure on Macron to act swiftly. Macron had stated earlier that he would not resign regardless of the vote’s outcome.

Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister quickly to restore government functionality. The urgency is heightened by the upcoming visit of US President-elect Donald Trump for the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Deadlock continues until new elections

No new parliamentary elections can occur before July, leaving France’s National Assembly in its current state of deadlock, where no party holds a working majority. The political gridlock is likely to persist, complicating efforts to address the nation’s economic and social challenges.

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