French Government Collapses as PM Barnier Loses No-Confidence Vote, First Since 1962

Dec 5, 2024, 07:54 AM

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government has collapsed after losing a historic no-confidence vote in the National Assembly on December 4, 2024. Lawmakers from the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and left-wing parties joined forces to pass the motion with 331 votes, surpassing the required 288. This marks the first successful no-confidence vote against a French government since 1962. The motion was prompted by widespread opposition to Barnier's controversial budget plan, which included austerity measures and was pushed through without parliamentary approval by invoking constitutional powers. Michel Barnier, who served only 90 days in office, has become the shortest-serving Prime Minister since 1958. On Thursday, Barnier arrived at the Elysee Palace to submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it. The government's collapse has plunged France into political and financial chaos as the nation faces the prospect of entering 2025 without a functioning government or approved budget.