French Prime Minister Michel Barnier submitted his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, following a historic no-confidence vote in parliament that ousted him from power.
This marks the shortest tenure for a prime minister in modern French history.
Barnier, who was appointed in September 2024, faced overwhelming opposition from lawmakers over his controversial 2025 budget plan.
The budget, which included austerity measures to stabilize France’s finances, was fiercely opposed by MPs, including those from the far-left and far-right factions.
Barnier defended the plan, arguing it was necessary to prevent financial instability but failed to win over a majority in parliament.
The vote, which took place on Wednesday, was a blow to the government’s entire financial strategy. With Barnier’s departure, the government now faces a financial void.
Unless a new government can secure approval for a revised budget before Christmas, the current budget will be extended into 2025, a scenario deemed increasingly unlikely.
The political uncertainty is already taking its toll on France’s economic outlook, with major credit agencies such as Moody’s warning of diminished prospects for public financial consolidation.
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As France enters a period of heightened instability, President Macron is under pressure to swiftly appoint a successor.
Speculation has begun over possible replacements, with names such as Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, François Bayrou, and former Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve emerging.
The fallout from the no-confidence vote extends beyond just political leadership, as ongoing strikes in the public sector—initially sparked by Barnier’s budget proposals—continue to disrupt key services.
The instability comes just days before the reopening of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, an event expected to attract significant international attention.
In the wake of Barnier’s resignation, calls for President Macron’s resignation have gained momentum, with some opposition leaders pushing for early presidential elections.
Macron is set to address the nation later today, as the country braces for what could be a prolonged period of political uncertainty.
