French Government Collapses After Prime Minister Michel Barnier Ousted in No-Confidence Vote.

Paris:

The French government has collapsed following a no-confidence vote that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier, just three months after his appointment by President Emmanuel Macron. The motion, which passed with overwhelming support, comes amid growing political instability in the country.

On Wednesday, 331 MPs voted in favor of the no-confidence motion, well above the required 288 votes, after Barnier invoked special powers to push through his controversial budget without a vote. The budget, which included €60 billion in deficit reduction measures, had been heavily criticized by opposition parties, including the far-left New Popular Front (NFP) and the far-right National Rally (RN).

The opposition parties had previously criticized Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier, the former Brexit negotiator, over their own candidates. They also condemned Barnier’s use of presidential decrees to push through reforms to social security after failing to secure enough parliamentary support.

Barnier, in his final address to the National Assembly before the vote, insisted that his removal would not solve France’s financial problems, emphasizing the need for responsible action to address the country’s debt crisis. “We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility,” he said.

The collapse of the government follows a summer of snap elections that resulted in a fragmented parliament, with no single party holding a majority. Barnier is expected to serve as a caretaker prime minister until Macron selects a successor.

Although the no-confidence vote does not directly affect President Macron, it has intensified calls for him to resign before his term ends in 2027.