PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron is set to speak to the nation on Thursday, following the National Assembly’s unprecedented decision to remove Prime Minister Michel Barnier through a no-confidence vote. This vote has left France in a state of political turmoil without a functioning government.
During his address, Macron is anticipated to emphasize the need to stabilize the current political crisis and may announce a new prime minister tasked with managing a divided parliament. Barnier officially resigned on Thursday morning at the Elysée Palace, complying with constitutional requirements. The no-confidence motion, which garnered 331 votes in favor, has resulted in Barnier’s dismissal after a mere three months in office, marking the shortest tenure of any modern French prime minister.
Swift action is now critical for Macron, who must select a successor capable of leading a minority government in a legislature lacking a clear majority. Yaël Braun-Pivet, who heads the National Assembly and is affiliated with Macron’s party, urged the president to act quickly. “It is advisable that he selects a new prime minister swiftly,” Braun-Pivet stated on France Inter radio. “We cannot afford any political indecision. We need a leader who can engage all sides and work towards the passage of a new budget.”
The task may be complicated, as the administration has yet to reveal any definitive names for Barnier’s replacement. However, French media has mentioned a shortlist of centrist figures that could potentially appeal across the political spectrum. Macron’s previous experience in appointing Barnier after his party lost in June’s legislative elections took over two months, raising concerns that a similar delay could occur this time.
The fallout from the no-confidence vote has sparked renewed vigor among opposition leaders, with some openly demanding Macron’s resignation. Manuel Bompard, the head of the far-left France Unbowed party, stated on BFM TV, “I firmly believe that real stability necessitates the departure of the President of the Republic.” Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally which holds the most seats in the Assembly, did not overtly call for Macron to resign but warned that the pressure on him will continue to mount.
Macron has, however, dismissed the resignation calls and has ruled out the possibility of new legislative elections. According to the existing French constitution, a president is not required to resign when their government is ousted by the National Assembly. “I was elected to serve until 2027, and I will complete my mandate,” he affirmed to the press earlier in the week. Furthermore, the constitution stipulates that new legislative elections cannot occur until at least July, which could foster further gridlock in policymaking.
This political instability raises serious concerns about the French economy, particularly regarding its debt levels, which could reach 7% of GDP next year without substantial reforms. Analysts warn that the collapse of Barnier’s government could lead to an increase in French interest rates, exacerbating the debt situation. Moody’s, a credit rating agency, expressed caution late Wednesday regarding the implications of the government’s downfall, stating that it diminishes the chances of achieving solid public finance reforms and worsens political deadlock.
Macron’s forthcoming speech at 8 p.m. local time is expected to address these economic concerns while outlining a strategy for the future government.
