In a dramatic turn of events, French lawmakers have passed a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government, plunging France into political turmoil. 🗳️
On Wednesday, an alliance of far-right and left-wing deputies united to secure a majority of 331 votes in favor of the motion. This unprecedented move forces Barnier to resign, marking his government's three-month tenure as the shortest in the history of France's Fifth Republic, founded in 1958.
Barnier is expected to tender his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday morning, according to French media reports.
The political upheaval was triggered after the government employed special constitutional powers to push through a controversial budget without a final parliamentary vote. The proposed budget aimed to save €60 billion ($63.07 billion) in an effort to reduce France's significant deficit.
\"This deficit reality will not disappear by the magic of a motion of censure,\" Barnier told lawmakers before the vote. \"It will come back to haunt whichever government comes next.\"
This is the first time a French government has lost a confidence vote since 1962, when Georges Pompidou faced a similar fate. The crisis was set in motion by President Macron's decision to call a snap election in June, which resulted in a highly polarized parliament.
With the government's collapse, France risks ending the year without a stable administration or an approved 2025 budget. However, constitutional measures may prevent a U.S.-style government shutdown. 🇺🇸
The political instability in France adds further strain to the European Union, already grappling with Germany's coalition government troubles and the impending return of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to the White House. 🌍
Sebastien Lecornu, the outgoing Defense Minister, warned that the turmoil could affect France's support for Ukraine. 🇺🇦
The hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party has called for President Macron's resignation, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen celebrated Barnier's downfall. \"I'm not pushing for Macron's resignation,\" she said. \"The pressure on the president will get greater and greater. Only he will make that decision.\"
As France navigates this political storm, the world's eyes are on Paris to see how the nation will steer through this crisis. Stay tuned for more updates! 📢
Reference(s):
French government felled in no-confidence vote, deepening crisis
cgtn.com
