Barnier’s government falls, resignation submitted at the Élysée
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Michel Barnier, after just three months in office, has formally submitted his resignation this morning to President Emmanuel Macron. The government was ousted by a motion of no confidence passed by 331 deputies, well above the 289 required. This political crisis marks the end of one of the shortest mandates in the history of the Fifth Republic.
The No-Confidence Motion and Political Context
The no-confidence motion was presented by two major opposition groups: the left-wing parties and the National Rally. The main point of contention was the government's decision to adopt the Social Security budget via Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, bypassing a vote in the National Assembly—a move that sparked widespread criticism.
Macron’s Next Steps: Searching for a New Prime Minister
With Barnier’s government ousted, President Macron has quickly begun consultations to appoint a new Prime Minister. Sources close to the Élysée say the president is keen to accelerate the process to avoid being without a government during the visit of US President Donald Trump to Paris, scheduled for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Talks are already underway to find Barnier's successor.
Possible Candidates: Lecornu and Bayrou
Two names are seen as frontrunners to take over the role of Prime Minister: Sébastien Lecornu, the current Defense Minister, and François Bayrou, the centrist leader. Both figures are considered politically neutral enough to garner support from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, which holds 143 seats in the National Assembly.
The End of Barnier’s Government
With the resignation now official, Michel Barnier exits after a brief and tumultuous tenure. His government, unable to maintain support from the National Assembly, had a short-lived existence, and this political crisis could set the stage for a new era in French governance.
The No-Confidence Motion and Political Context
The no-confidence motion was presented by two major opposition groups: the left-wing parties and the National Rally. The main point of contention was the government's decision to adopt the Social Security budget via Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, bypassing a vote in the National Assembly—a move that sparked widespread criticism.
Macron’s Next Steps: Searching for a New Prime Minister
With Barnier’s government ousted, President Macron has quickly begun consultations to appoint a new Prime Minister. Sources close to the Élysée say the president is keen to accelerate the process to avoid being without a government during the visit of US President Donald Trump to Paris, scheduled for the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Talks are already underway to find Barnier's successor.
Possible Candidates: Lecornu and Bayrou
Two names are seen as frontrunners to take over the role of Prime Minister: Sébastien Lecornu, the current Defense Minister, and François Bayrou, the centrist leader. Both figures are considered politically neutral enough to garner support from Marine Le Pen’s National Rally, which holds 143 seats in the National Assembly.
The End of Barnier’s Government
With the resignation now official, Michel Barnier exits after a brief and tumultuous tenure. His government, unable to maintain support from the National Assembly, had a short-lived existence, and this political crisis could set the stage for a new era in French governance.