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French lawmakers have voted to remove Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government in a historic no-confidence motion, citing outrage over his attempt to ram through part of his government’s annual budget on Monday.
Let’s bring you up to speed: For weeks, French lawmakers had expressed growing frustration with Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s approach to governance, particularly his decision to use constitutional powers to bypass parliamentary debate on his controversial budget proposal. His move, which aimed to cut $63 billion through tax hikes and spending reductions, was widely criticized for disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and failing to address the country’s broader economic challenges. The tensions were amplified by lingering divisions from the recent snap elections, which resulted in a divided parliament where no party held a majority.
What’s going on now: Today, French lawmakers voted to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government in a no-confidence motion that passed with 331 votes in favor and 246 against in the National Assembly. The vote saw a rare alliance between far-left and far-right factions, who set aside ideological differences to unite against Barnier. The vote has led France into political turmoil, forcing Barnier’s resignation and leaving President Emmanuel Macron scrambling to appoint a new prime minister.
Calls for Macron to leave: Some French lawmakers are now calling for President Emmanuel Macron to resign, holding him directly responsible for the escalating political crisis. Mathilde Panot, leader of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, declared, “We are now calling on Macron to go. [We] want early presidential elections.” Far-right leader Marine Le Pen echoed these sentiments, blaming Macron for the turmoil, stating, “He’s the one most responsible for the current situation.”
