In a dramatic turn of events, French lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Wednesday, marking the shortest government tenure in France's Fifth Republic since 1958. The no-confidence motion, which secured 331 votes, saw an unusual alliance between far-right and left-wing legislators, underscoring the deep political divisions within the country.
Prime Minister Barnier is now set to resign, along with his entire cabinet, as reported by French media. This unprecedented move comes after Barnier utilized special constitutional powers to pass a contentious budget aimed at reducing the nation's massive deficit by 60 billion euros ($63.07 billion) without a final parliamentary vote.
Critics from both the hard left and far right condemned Barnier's approach, arguing that bypassing parliament undermined democratic processes and failed to address the underlying fiscal challenges. "This reality of the deficit won't vanish through a motion of censure," Barnier told lawmakers before the vote, emphasizing that future governments would still grapple with the financial shortfall.
The political upheaval in France follows a snap election in June, orchestrated by President Emmanuel Macron, which resulted in a polarized parliament incapable of supporting a stable government. With no French government having lost a confidence vote since 1962, the current crisis poses significant risks not only for France but also for the broader European Union, which is already facing instability from Germany's coalition challenges.
Amidst the turmoil, outgoing Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu warned that the political instability could weaken France's support for Ukraine. Additionally, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, welcomed Barnier's ousting, signaling increased pressure on President Macron and hinting at a stronger push for her party's influence in future government formations.
As France navigates this uncertain period, the nation faces the possibility of concluding the year without a stable government or a finalized 2025 budget. While the French Constitution provides mechanisms to prevent a government shutdown, the ongoing crisis highlights the fragility of the current political landscape.
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French government felled in no-confidence vote, deepening crisis
cgtn.com
