French Prime Minister Removed from Office

French lawmakers voted to remove Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Wednesday, marking the first successful no-confidence vote in France since 1962. The motion passed with 331 votes, surpassing the 288 required, forcing Barnier and his Cabinet to resign.

Barnier, appointed just three months ago, is now the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history. He faced backlash over his proposed budget, which included unpopular tax increases. Both the far-right and the left-wing united against him, accusing his government of neglecting citizens' needs.

“I served with dignity, but this vote will make things harder,” Barnier said in his farewell speech.

This also made a large spark in France lighting a mark that no party holds a majority. With France deeply divided, President Emmanuel Macron now faces the challenge of choosing a new prime minister. Macron also acknowledged what he described as his own responsibility and fault in the chaos of now shaking French politics.

Macron dismissed rumors of his resignation, insisting he would finish his term until 2027. He also announced that he will name a new prime minister within days to fill this political hole.

Economic Uncertainty

The country’s growing debt, set to reach 6% of GDP this year, is a concern for both the European Union and financial markets. Those in the economic field worry it will reach a line beyond return and send the country into a mass defecating debt.

As Barnier prepares to step down, the road ahead for Macron and France remains unclear, with the country facing both political and economic challenges in this historic political change.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year student majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu