Amid the Prime Minister Michel Barnier controversy, President Emmanuel Macron met urgently with leaders before the scheduled address on Thursday to lay out his intentions for political stability. Barnier gave his resignation to Macron after his minority coalition lost a no-confidence vote on Wednesday.
In addition to confirming Barnier’s resignation, Elysée Palace stated that his government would manage daily operations until a new administration was established. In the midst of a divided parliament, Macron met with François Bayrou over lunch to discuss replacements for Barnier.
The question arose whether Macron would choose Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu or a centrist like Francois Bayrou to head the government. In an effort to restore political efficiency, Macron might appoint the new Prime Minister within 24 hours.
The no-confidence vote started by a leftist alliance passed with 331 votes in the 577-member National Assembly. The National Rally leader, Marine Le Pen, supported the motion criticizing Macron’s government for proposing a toxic budget. Le Pen claimed that her party intended to help the new government draft a more balanced plan.
Mathilde Panot of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party called for Macron’s resignation and early presidential elections. However, Macron rejected these demands and said he would complete his term in 2027.
The political turmoil has caused chaos in the markets and fueled public discontent, with unions planning nationwide strikes over proposed cost-cutting measures. Civil servants, teachers, and air traffic controllers have scheduled a protest on Thursday. Macron is also preparing to host the national leaders on Saturday for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, signaling a return to state affairs amid the Michel Barnier controversy.
