The French government has collapsed after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was removed in a no-confidence vote. This came just three months after President Emmanuel Macron appointed him. The motion was supported by a large majority of MPs, following controversy over Barnier using special powers to push through his budget without a vote.
A Historic Vote
This is the first time since 1962 that the French government has collapsed due to a no-confidence vote. The collapse adds to France’s ongoing political instability, especially after snap elections in the summer resulting in no political group having a majority in parliament. MPs were required to either vote yes or abstain in the vote. 331 voted to remove Barnier, way above the 288 votes needed.
As a result of the vote, Barnier must now present his government’s resignation. The budget that caused his downfall is no longer valid.
Opposition to Barnier’s Reforms
Both left-wing and far-right opposition parties had pushed for Barnier’s removal after he used a presidential decree to implement controversial social security reforms. The left-wing alliance, New Popular Front (NFP), which won the most seats in the parliamentary elections, had previously criticized Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier as prime minister instead of their own candidate. Along with the far-right National Rally (RN), they rejected Barnier’s budget, which aimed to reduce the deficit by €60bn (£49bn). RN leader Marine Le Pen called the budget “toxic for the French.”
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Barnier’s Response
Ahead of the vote, Barnier told the National Assembly that removing him from office would not solve the country’s financial issues. “We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility,” he said. “We need to look at the realities of our debt,” he added, “It is not a pleasure that I propose difficult measures.”
However, in an interview with TF1 on Wednesday, Le Pen said that removing Barnier was the “only solution.” She also addressed the situation surrounding President Macron. “I am not asking for the resignation of Emmanuel Macron,” she stated. However, she also warned, “If we do not respect the voice of voters and show respect for political forces and respect for elections,” then “pressure on the president will obviously be stronger and stronger.”
While Barnier is set to remain as caretaker prime minister for now, the situation adds further pressure on President Macron’s administration.
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