French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s term is set to end in three months, as a no-confidence vote passed with 331 votes in favor, exceeding the required 288. The motion was prompted by budget disputes and came just after Barnier’s appointment by President Emmanuel Macron in September.
Barnier stated that serving France will remain an honor for him, despite his impending resignation being expected to be short-lived. Macron intends to serve until 2027, but may need to appoint a new prime minister if he stays in office.
The no-confidence vote was the result of a coalition between far-right and far-left lawmakers who opposed the current government. The snap legislative elections in July led to the centrist Ensemble coalition losing seats to the New Popular Front leftist coalition.
National Rally leader Marine Le Pen expressed a desire to work with the next prime minister, stating that she wants her voters’ demands to be heard. However, she denied asking Macron to resign directly, saying it was his decision to take a path of respect for voters and elections.
The vote marks a significant shift in French politics, with Barnier’s resignation expected to set off a chain of events, including the potential appointment of a new prime minister.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/french-government-collapses-no-confidence-vote-passes-prime-minister-michel-barnier