PARIS — French President emmanuel Macron is set to address the nation on Thursday following the resignation of Prime minister Michel Barnier. Barnier stepped down a day after a historic no-confidence vote in the National Assembly left France without a functioning government.
The Elysee presidential palace confirmed that Macron “took note” of Barnier’s resignation. A statement released by the palace indicated that Barnier and other ministers would remain “in charge of current affairs until the appointment of a new government.”
Macron’s address is expected to focus on stabilizing the political crisis gripping the nation. Though, it remains unclear when he will name a new prime minister to navigate the fractured parliament.
The no-confidence motion passed with 331 votes in the National Assembly, forcing Barnier to resign after a mere three months in office. This marks the shortest tenure of any prime minister in modern French history.
Pressure Mounts for Swift Action
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Macron faces the daunting task of appointing a replacement capable of leading a minority government in a parliament where no single party holds a majority. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly and a member of Macron’s party, urged the president to act decisively.
“I recommend he decide rapidly on a new prime minister,” braun-Pivet said Thursday on France Inter radio. “There must not be any political hesitation. We need a leader who can speak to everyone and work to pass a new budget bill.”
The selection process may prove challenging. While Macron’s administration has yet to confirm any names, french media have reported a shortlist of centrist candidates who might appeal to both sides of the political spectrum.
Macron took more than two months to appoint Barnier after his party’s defeat in June’s legislative elections, raising concerns about potential delays this time.
Calls for Macron’s Resignation
The no-confidence vote has emboldened opposition leaders, with some explicitly calling for Macron’s resignation.
“I believe that stability requires the departure of the president of the Republic,” said Manuel Bompard, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, on BFM TV Wednesday night.
Far-right national Rally leader Marine Le Pen, whose party holds the most seats in the Assembly, stopped short of calling for Macron’s resignation but warned that “the pressure on the President of the Republic will continue to increase.”
French president Emmanuel Macron faces a daunting political landscape after his Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, lost a crucial vote of confidence in the National Assembly. The defeat, a significant blow to Macron’s authority, has sparked calls for his resignation and raised concerns about the stability of france’s government.
Borne’s government was toppled by a coalition of left-wing and far-right lawmakers,highlighting the deep divisions within the French political spectrum. The vote, which saw 278 lawmakers oppose Borne’s leadership, marks the first time in over 60 years that a French Prime Minister has lost a confidence vote.
“The Republic will get stronger and stronger,” Macron declared in a defiant statement following the vote.However, he has firmly rejected calls for his resignation, asserting that he was elected to serve until 2027 and intends to fulfill his mandate.
The French constitution does not mandate a presidential resignation following the ousting of a Prime Minister by the National Assembly. Moreover, new legislative elections cannot be held until at least July, potentially leading to a prolonged period of political stalemate.
Economic Uncertainty Looms
The political turmoil has intensified anxieties surrounding France’s economy, notably its burgeoning debt, which is projected to reach 7% of GDP next year without significant reforms. Analysts warn that the collapse of Borne’s government could trigger a rise in French interest rates, further exacerbating the debt crisis.
moody’s, a leading rating agency, issued a cautionary statement late Wednesday, asserting that the government’s downfall “reduces the likelihood of consolidating public finances” and worsens the already precarious political gridlock.
Macron is scheduled to address the nation at 8 p.m. local time, where he is expected to confront these economic challenges and outline a path forward for the beleaguered government.
## Analyst on Macron’s Address: A Delicate Balancing Act
**World Today News Podcast Interview with Dr. Jeannette Dubois, Political Scientist at Sciences Po**
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today. France is in political turmoil following the historic no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, forcing his resignation after just three months in office. President Macron is set to address the nation tonight, promising to stabilize the situation. Joining us to analyze this unprecedented event is Dr. Jeannette Dubois, a leading political scientist from Sciences Po. Dr. Dubois, thanks for joining us.
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed an extraordinary situation for French democracy.
**Host:** Let’s start with the no-confidence vote itself. What were the key factors that led to this outcome?
**Dr. Dubois:** This vote was a culmination of several factors. Firstly, the lack of a clear majority for Macron’s party after the June legislative elections left him vulnerable. The opposition parties, though fragmented, successfully coalesced around the goal of rejecting macron’s policies and demonstrating their own strength.
Moreover,Barnier’s premiership failed to inspire confidence. He was perceived as a technical figure lacking the charisma and political acumen to navigate the current climate. This weakened his position and made him an easier target for the opposition.
**Host:** What are the immediate challenges facing President Macron as he prepares to address the nation?
**Dr. Dubois:** The challenges are multifaceted. Macron needs to reassure the French people that the government is still functional and capable of leading. He must also demonstrate that he can respond effectively to the concerns raised by the no-confidence vote.
Most importantly, he needs to quickly appoint a new Prime Minister capable of uniting a divided parliament and enacting crucial legislation, particularly the budget bill.
**Host:** There’s speculation about who might replace Barnier. What qualities should Macron prioritize in his choice?
**Dr. Dubois:** Macron needs a bold and experienced leader who can command respect across the political spectrum. Someone with enough political capital to negotiate compromises and build consensus.
The new Prime Minister must also be capable of communicating effectively with the public and restoring trust in the government.
**Host:** We’ve seen some calls for Macron’s resignation amidst this crisis. Do you think this is a realistic possibility?
**dr. Dubois:** While some opposition figures are calling for Macron’s resignation, it’s highly unlikely. He still enjoys considerable support within his party and the broader electorate.
More importantly, under the French constitution, there’s no mechanism for forcing a president to resign unless they are impeached, which is a highly improbable scenario.
**Host:** Looking ahead, what are the long-term implications of this political crisis for France?
**Dr. Dubois:** This crisis exposes the fragility of the current political landscape. It highlights the growing disenchantment with customary political parties and the rise of populist movements.
Macron’s ability to find a solution to the current impasse will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of French politics.This will be a defining moment for his presidency and for the stability of French democracy.
**Host:** Fascinating insights, Dr. Dubois. Thank you for shedding light on this complex situation.
**Dr. Dubois:** My pleasure.
**(Podcast ends)**
