France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier Ousted After Three Months In Office

In a historic political shake-up, Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister of France, has been ousted from office following a no-confidence vote in parliament, just three months after his appointment under President Emmanuel Macron.

The motion of no confidence, passed on Wednesday night, saw overwhelming support, with 331 lawmakers voting in favor—far exceeding the required 288 votes.

This marks the first time in over 60 years that a French government has been toppled by parliament.

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The censure vote was driven by a surprising alliance between Marine Le Pen’s far-right bloc and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP).

Both groups opposed Barnier’s controversial use of special executive powers to push through his budget without parliamentary approval.

Following the vote, Barnier is required to resign, and the contested budget has been automatically withdrawn.

Alongside Barnier, key ministers, including Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, also tendered their resignations early Thursday morning.

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While President Macron’s position remains secure under the constitution, the political fallout has intensified opposition demands for his resignation and the call for early presidential elections. Macron has firmly rejected these demands.

The left-wing NFP, which holds a majority in parliament, had previously criticized Macron for bypassing their coalition and appointing Barnier.

Ahead of the vote, Barnier addressed the National Assembly, stating that removing him would not solve France’s financial challenges. “We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility,” he said, citing the difficult measures he had proposed as necessary for addressing the country’s debt crisis.