French PM Michel Barnier Ousted In No-Confidence Vote

French lawmakers on Wednesday passed a no-confidence motion to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier, making him the first French leader in over 60 years to lose such a vote. The decision came after just three months of his administration, plunging France into political uncertainty.

The Vote and Its Implications

The motion, spearheaded by the hard-left and backed by the far-right led by Marine Le Pen, garnered a majority of 331 votes in the 577-member National Assembly. This historic political maneuver came amidst clashes over next year’s austerity budget and growing dissatisfaction with government policies.

President Macron’s Dilemma

President Emmanuel Macron now faces the challenge of appointing a successor while navigating a hung parliament. Macron, who returned to Paris from a state visit to Saudi Arabia just before the vote, must act swiftly to stabilize his government and address growing public discontent.

Public and Political Reactions

• Criticism from Opposition: Eric Coquerel, a hard-left MP, declared the vote a “death knell” for Macron’s leadership.
• Unions Strike Back: Public-sector strikes are planned for Thursday, with civil servants protesting cost-cutting measures.
• Le Pen’s Risky Move: While Marine Le Pen’s backing of the motion signals her opposition to Macron, analysts suggest it could alienate parts of her base, including business leaders and retirees.

Macron’s Next Steps

Potential candidates for the role of Prime Minister include Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, centrist ally Francois Bayrou, and former Socialist premier Bernard Cazeneuve. Macron is expected to appoint a new premier promptly to restore political stability.

A Historic Moment for France

This is the first successful no-confidence vote since Georges Pompidou’s government fell in 1962 under President Charles de Gaulle. It also marks the shortest lifespan of any French administration since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958.

Ongoing Challenges

France faces mounting political and economic pressures, with public-sector strikes, a fragile parliament, and an uncertain future for Macron’s leadership. As international attention turns to France with the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral this weekend, the country’s domestic turmoil remains in sharp focus.