France Political Crisis: In a landmark political development, France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier and his Cabinet have been compelled to resign following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. This marks the first such occurrence since 1962. The motion, initiated over budgetary disagreements, garnered 331 votes that surpassed the required minimum of 288. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron has affirmed his intention to serve his term until 2027 despite the setback. However, he now faces the task of appointing a new Prime Minister, his second such appointment following July’s legislative elections, which resulted in a highly fragmented parliament.
The President’s office announced that Macron would address the nation on Thursday evening (local time), though further details have not been disclosed. Barnier is anticipated to submit his formal resignation by that time. A conservative appointed in September, Barnier becomes the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s modern Republic. “I can tell you that it will remain an honour for me to have served France and the French with dignity… This no-confidence motion…will make everything more serious and more difficult. That’s what I’m sure of,” Barnier said in his final speech before the vote,” Barnier said in his final speech before the vote.
