Barnier's Government Collapses in France: Who Will Be the Next PM?
The government led by Michel Barnier in France has collapsed after just three months. On Wednesday, lawmakers voted against Prime Minister Barnier, and he is now required to submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron.
For the first time in 60 years, France's lower house of the National Assembly passed a resolution to oust the government. The hard-left proposed a no-confidence motion against the Barnier government, which was also supported by the right-wing, led by Marine Le Pen. In the 577-member House, 331 lawmakers voted in favor of removing the government.
President To Choose The Successor
France held elections this summer, but no party achieved a clear majority. Barnier managed to form a government afterward. However, within three months, his government has collapsed.
President Emmanuel Macron is confronted with the challenging decision of selecting a successor, with over two years still remaining in his presidential term.
It is important to note that there was a stalemate in the National Assembly regarding the budget cuts for the upcoming financial year. In the meantime, the hardline left proposed a motion of no confidence, which was approved after deliberation.
Previously, the Prime Minister approved the Social Security Financing Bill on Monday without a vote. Speaker Yael Brown-Piwett announced that Barnier must now submit his resignation to Macron. He declared the session adjourned.
No Elections for One Year
Macron came back to Paris right before the vote, concluding a three-day official trip to Saudi Arabia. On Wednesday, he strolled through the desert sands of the state's renowned tourism project, Al-Ula Oasis, where they visited ancient sites. Upon his return, he headed directly to the Elysee Palace.
Macron remarked on Tuesday that it was 'pessimistic' for Paine's party to support the resolution. According to French regulations, after an election, another one cannot be held for the following year. As a result, Macron's options will be limited.
Who Is In The Race For PM?
Le Pen is involved in a significant embezzlement case. If found guilty in March, she could be barred from running in the upcoming presidential election in France. However, if Macron resigns shortly, an election must be held within a month.
In this situation, the elections will take place before a decision is made on her case, enabling her to take part. There are few candidates for the prime minister position, with devoted Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron's centrist ally Francois Byrou as possible candidates.