The ousting of the French Prime Minister plunged the country into chaos.
Prime Minister Michel Barnier became the shortest-serving prime minister in French history.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier was forced to resign just three months after left-wing and right-wing lawmakers united in a vote of no confidence. This event is plunging France into deeper political instability.
On December 4, the French National Assembly held a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government, following a proposal from the far-left. The far-right, led by Marine Le Pen, supported the motion, resulting in 331 out of 577 MPs voting to remove the government. This was the far-right seizing the opportunity to oust the veteran politician and renowned negotiator, after Barnier's attempt to pass part of the government's annual budget on December 3.
Prime Minister Barnier's government was the first French government to be defeated in a no-confidence vote since 1962, and Barnier will now become the shortest-serving prime minister in French history.
The office of French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Prime Minister Barnier will submit his resignation today (December 5th). Barnier is expected to arrive at the Elysee Palace at 10:00 AM (3:00 PM Hanoi time) to complete the constitutional procedure following the no-confidence votes. According to the Elysee Palace, President Macron will address the nation at 8:00 PM.
The situation became difficult and immediately posed a major obstacle for Prime Minister Barnier on December 3rd, when he was forced to use constitutional means to bypass the legislative vote on the 2025 budget.
This allowed rival lawmakers on the left, who had long sought to oust him, to call for a vote of no confidence in response. And the far right also called for a similar move.
During a parliamentary debate on December 4th, Prime Minister Barnier defended his position, stating that he was "not afraid," but warned that removing him would make "things more difficult."
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, stated during the debate that "Barnier's stubborn adherence to dogma and doctrine prevented him from making even the slightest concession that could have avoided this outcome."