In a stunning turn of events, the French government headed by Prime Minister Michel Barnier has collapsed in a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. With just three months into his tenure, Barnier was made to resign, leaving France in a political crisis that could have far-reaching implications for the country and for Europe.
A Historic Defeat
On Wednesday, it voted overwhelmingly against Barnier’s government, with 331 out of 577 lawmakers rejecting it. This is the first time since 1962 that a French prime minister has lost power in such a manner. Barnier’s government was already a fragile political and economic issue, and the vote demonstrated how fragile his leadership was.
As a result, Barnier has become the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s history. However, he will continue to serve as a caretaker leader until French President Emmanuel Macron selects a new government despite his resignation.
France’s Political Crisis and Europe’s Concern
This development has sent alarm bells ringing not only in France but across the continent of Europe. France and Germany, two key players in the European Union, are considered the “EU’s ‘motor’ in terms of ideological and political horsepower.” The instability in France has the potential to destabilize the larger European political landscape and increase uncertainty about the future of the EU.
What’s Next?
Barnier’s government will, however, be left as a caretaker administration, which is not in a position to make any new legislation. Therefore, the government will be concerned with only dealing with current matters, leaving France in political limbo. Macron said that he would promptly name a new prime minister, but this process may be quite tricky as the National Assembly is currently fragmented.
The lower house of parliament has become, after recent elections, even more fractured than ever without an evident majority. Macron’s decision about the new prime minister is, therefore, critical in the sense that such a move is expected to determine the country’s direction in the near future.
Who Will Be the Next Prime Minister?
In the midst of political speculation, several names have risen as potential candidates to take Barnier’s place. Among them include Sébastien Lecornu, the Minister of Armed Forces, and François Bayrou, head of the Democratic Movement party, which is a centrist party. The final decision will, however, depend on the way Emmanuel Macron navigates the split political landscape.
ALSO READ: After Hunter, US President Joe Biden To Consider Preemptive Pardon For Trump Critics
