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French PM Michel Barnier Resigns After Historic No-Confidence Vote. Prime Minister Michel Barnier is set to resign after losing a no-confidence vote in the French parliament, marking the collapse of his government just three months into his tenure, BBC News reports. Parliament voted 331 to 288 in favor of the motion, the first time in over 60 years that a French government has been ousted by such a vote. The motion was triggered by Barnier’s use of special powers to pass a €60bn deficit-reduction budget without parliamentary approval, a move deemed "toxic" by opponents. The far-right National Rally (RN) and left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) formed an unlikely alliance to censure Barnier, accusing his budget of harming ordinary French citizens. Barnier is expected to serve as a caretaker prime minister while President Emmanuel Macron seeks a successor, a process that could take weeks. Although constitutionally untouched by Barnier's resignation, Macron faces growing calls from opposition leaders to step down and call early presidential elections, which he has firmly ruled out. The political deadlock is expected to persist as no group in the National Assembly holds a working majority, and new parliamentary elections cannot be held until July. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen described Barnier’s budget as "toxic for the French," emphasizing that his removal was "the only solution" but stopped short of calling for Macron's resignation. President Macron is set to address the nation on Thursday evening after returning from a state visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming to reassure citizens amidst the political upheaval. With the government in disarray and financial reforms stalled, France faces uncertainty as Macron navigates a highly polarized political landscape.
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