France’s Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, has been ousted following a historic no-confidence vote supported by an unlikely coalition of left-wing and far-right parties. The vote, held on Wednesday, marks the first successful ousting of a French government since 1962.
Out of the 577 members of France’s lower house of parliament, 331 legislators voted in favor of removing Barnier’s minority government, citing dissatisfaction with his handling of the nation’s challenges, including a spiraling budget deficit.
The motion was spearheaded by Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN), who accused Barnier of exacerbating the country’s economic woes since his appointment as prime minister in September.
The motion gained support from leftist lawmakers, creating a rare alliance of political opposites united against the government.
Barnier’s removal is expected to plunge France into political uncertainty, complicating efforts to stabilize its economy and address its budgetary issues. Analysts warn that the political turmoil may delay critical policy decisions and undermine investor confidence.
President Emmanuel Macron, who appointed Barnier, now faces the challenge of nominating a new prime minister capable of securing parliamentary support to lead the government.
“The French have had enough,” Le Pen declared, adding that the RN would also support a similar motion tabled by the left-wing coalition.
The fallout already unsettled financial markets, with investors dumping French assets, widening bond spreads, and weakening the euro.
Speaking to the National Assembly on Wednesday just before the vote, Barnier said voting him out will not solve the budget issues, defending his government’s budget policies.
“We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility, we need to look at the realities of our debt,” he said
“It is not a pleasure that I propose difficult measures,” Barnier added.
He insisted he pushed his budget through parliamentary consultation, as he worked with both chambers of parliament to develop the document, adding that he is “not afraid” of being voted out, and has “rarely been afraid” in his long political career.
According to him what is most important “is our capacity to take steps towards each other” and to “go above the general interest” to take steps forward, whether they are big or small.
He assured the lawmakers of his willingness to work constructively with anyone who seeks these aims, adding that it has “been an honour” to have served as prime minister.
The parliament, however, proceeded to pass a historic no-confidence vote against the prime minister.
The crisis stems from Macron’s snap election call in June, which resulted in a divided parliament.
Barnier’s minority government relied heavily on RN support, but that partnership crumbled over disagreements on the budget bill, which proposed €60bn in tax hikes and spending cuts to curb France’s soaring public deficit.