French PM Michel Barnier bypasses parliament to push controversial budget
- Michel Barnier's government was ousted through a no-confidence vote by 331 MPs, making it the shortest in modern French history.
- The opposition, including the far-right National Rally and leftist parties, united against Barnier's proposed austerity measures.
- The political turmoil raises concerns about France's financial stability and future governance.
France has entered another political crisis following the ousting of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who was voted out by the National Assembly through a no-confidence motion. This historic vote marked the first successful no-confidence measure against a prime minister in France since 1962. The vote was a culmination of intense political strife exacerbated by Barnier's use of Article 49.3 from the French Constitution, which allows legislation to be passed without parliamentary approval. By invoking this article, Barnier attempted to push through a controversial austerity budget aimed at addressing France's soaring deficit that exceeds 6% of GDP. This move drew sharp criticism from both the far-right National Rally and opposition leftist parties, leading to their unity against his government. The political landscape in France has become increasingly fragmented since the previous legislative elections, which failed to produce a clear majority, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to appoint Barnier as a centrist compromise. However, Barnier's proposed austerity measures, which included significant spending cuts and tax increases totaling around 60 billion euros, did not mollify the opposition, further aggravating already high tensions in the National Assembly. The opposition accused him of neglecting the needs of voters in favor of fiscal austerity while facing mounting public discontent and unrest over the economic measures. Barnier's tenure as Prime Minister, which started in September 2024, has now become the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic, lasting merely three months before a unified front from the left and right led to his downfall. The political fallout from Barnier's ousting has not only destabilized France's government but has also raised concerns about the potential for an economic crisis as the country struggles to pass a budget for the upcoming year. Without a functioning government, France's ability to manage its fiscal responsibilities and address pressing economic issues is severely jeopardized. As President Macron faces calls for his resignation, the political void exacerbates uncertainties within both domestic and international contexts. Analysts warn that the lack of cohesive governance could hinder France's financial recovery efforts, as the political gridlock poses serious risks for interest rate stability and public spending. With no clear path forward, opposition figures continue to push for early presidential elections, intensifying the political crisis and casting doubt on the future of Macron's administration.