The mood of crisis in France: Barnier resigns after vote of no confidence!

The mood of crisis in France: Barnier resigns after vote of no confidence!

Élysée-Palast, Paris, Frankreich - On Thursday, December 5, 2024, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier submitted his resignation after the National Assembly had accepted a request for no confidence against him with 331 out of 574 votes. This extraordinary step took place after a massive political crisis, as a Barnier, only appointed prime minister in September with the shortest term in the history of France. The vote of no confidence was supported by an unusual alliance from the left coalition and the right -wing national party, led by Marine Le Pen, who at the same time criticized Barnier for his austerity measures, which did not meet the needs of the population, such as Die Zeit reported.

President Emmanuel Macron, who asked Barnier to remain in office until the formation of a new government, is now forced to appoint a new head of government for the second time this year. François Bayrou is traded as a possible successor, a closer confidant Macron. The circumstances that led to Barnier’s resignation are a dispute over savings in the household, since France is far above the EU requirements for debt. Macron will contact the nation in a TV address this evening to inform about the next steps and to emphasize that he wants to continue his term until 2027 despite the political turbulence, The Krone .

With the parliamentary defeat of Barnier, France's political situation will remain tense. The opposition that has united not only demands a discontinuation of the prime minister, but has also repeatedly demanded Macron's resignation in the past. While Barnier personally gave the impression of taking the challenge seriously, Macron plans to enforce his reform agenda despite the unrest. This raises questions about the stability of the French government, especially with regard to the next elections, which should take place in July 2025 at the earliest.