Michel Barnier Loses Power: Implications of the No-Confidence Vote in France
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted from power following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.
This marks the first time since 1962 that a French government has been toppled in this manner.
The motion, supported by both left-wing and far-right parties, was approved by 331 votes, surpassing the required 288.
The political crisis was precipitated by Barnier’s decision to invoke Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the 2025 Social Security budget without parliamentary approval.
This move faced strong opposition, leading to the coalition of parties that ultimately brought down his government.
President Emmanuel Macron now faces the challenge of appointing a new prime minister capable of navigating the fragmented parliament.
The current political instability poses significant challenges to governance and economic policy in France.