PARIS – French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is expected to step down from his position his government was outed, as the country of 68 million collapsed into second major political crisis within one year.
Barnier’s ouster occurred just three months after his vote. The vote, which passed with overwhelming support from lawmakers was said to be novel in sixty years. The 73-year-old is expected to remain as caretaker position while Macron works to select a successor.
The no-confidence motion gained traction after both the far-right National Rally and New Popular Front coalition stand together to send Barnier’s packing. The opposition criticized Barnier’s use of special powers to bypass parliamentary approval for his €60 billion deficit-reduction budget, which was central to his downfall. The motion was approved by 331 votes, far exceeding the 288 needed for it to pass.
With Barnier’s expected resignation, the controversial budget will automatically be withdrawn. Macron is expected to address the nation in a televised speech today.
Meanwhile, opposition parties are calling for the president to step down and hold early presidential elections, something the Renaissance party leader strongly opposed. Le Pen also voiced support for opposing the budget, which she described as harmful to the French people.
As the European nation enters a period of political uncertainty, with no parliamentary elections possible until next six months, the ongoing deadlock in the legislature is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
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