President Emmanuel Macron of France again embarks on search for a new prime minister, three months after the last exercise. This follows the unexpected sack of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister on Wednesday. In a shocking French government collapse, the parliament passed a no-confidence vote to oust Barnier.
The ousted PM is expected to resign today, following his rejection. This marks the collapse of his government, which lasted only three months.
Pundits say the vote was a major political moment. It was the first time in over 60 years that the French government was rejected by parliament. The motion against Barnier passed with 331 votes in favour, well above the required 288. Barnier’s controversial use of special powers to push through a budget, bypassing parliament, sparked intense backlash.
Why did French government collapse so quickly under Barnier?
Political scientists and governance specialists agree that Barnier’s swift removal reflected deep political tensions. Barnier, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, was criticized for not being a unifying figure. His decision to ignore a parliamentary vote on his budget infuriated both the far-right and left-wing opposition parties.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) united against Barnier. The NFP, which won the most seats in parliament, had opposed Macron’s choice of Barnier as prime minister. The RN, led by Marine Le Pen, also denounced the budget, which aimed to reduce France’s deficit by €60bn. Le Pen called the budget “toxic for the French.”
Many believe Barnier’s economic policies alienated key voters, especially those struggling with rising costs. Political analysts say Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier, a centrist, over a left-wing candidate worsened the political divide. The lack of consensus on his budget further undermined Barnier’s authority.
The collapse of Barnier’s government raises questions about the future of President Macron’s administration. While Macron is constitutionally unaffected by the resignation, many opposition figures are already calling for early presidential elections.
Political experts note that Macron’s leadership is now under greater scrutiny. Some mock him for losing grip on his government while worrying abut America’s impending dominance of Europe. The inability to secure a stable government could lead to more political gridlock in the coming months. Furthermore, the current deadlock in the Assembly, where no party holds a clear majority, could remain until at least July.
The French political system is now in uncharted waters. Macron’s attempts to push through reformist policies are facing intense resistance, and the absence of a strong prime minister may further destabilize France. Some politicians warn that Macron’s weakened position could eventually lead to his downfall.
Le Pen and NFP’s role in the crisis
The role of Le Pen and the NPF in Barnier’s removal was far-reaching. Le Pen’s RN party and the NFP, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, worked together in opposing Barnier’s budget. Despite differing ideologies, both saw Barnier’s economic plan as a threat to France’s working-class citizens.
Le Pen, who has long been critical of Macron, took to national TV to argue that Barnier’s budget was “harmful” to the French people. She said that the government had “no choice” but to oppose it, emphasizing that the budget’s austerity measures were unacceptable.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the NFP, also spoke out against Barnier’s policies. The NFP had previously criticized Macron’s decision to appoint a centrist over their candidate. Political observers argue that Macron’s failure to secure a broad-based coalition left him vulnerable to attacks from both the far-right and left.
The process of picking a new PM could take weeks, and the political deadlock could continue for months. Analysts says Macron has limited options for a successor, given the fractured political landscape.
Some respondents suggest that Macron will likely face a difficult choice in appointing a new prime minister. If he appoints another centrist, he risks alienating both the left and right. A more left-wing or right-wing choice could further destabilize his presidency.
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