French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government collapsed on Wednesday after a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, marking the first such event since 1962. Barnier, who used Article 49.3 to push through the 2025 social security budget without a vote, faced strong opposition from both the left-wing NFP coalition and the far-right National Rally (RN) party.
What’s Next for Macron and the Country?
Barnier will likely stay on as a caretaker prime minister, handling ongoing matters but unable to introduce new laws. President Macron must now choose a new prime minister, but this decision will be complicated due to the fragmented National Assembly, where no clear majority exists. The new prime minister must survive a confidence vote, and the process could take months.
While Macron’s term runs until 2027, some are calling for his resignation amid the crisis. However, analysts suggest resignation would only add to the chaos. If no budget is passed by December 20, the government can use constitutional powers to implement the budget by decree, but this is a temporary solution. France’s deficit remains a point of tension with the EU, which demands fiscal discipline.