Macron Vows to Stay in Office After PM Barnier Resigns Following No-Confidence Vote

Paris, The Gulf Observer: French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Thursday, hours after Prime Minister Michel Barnier tendered his resignation following a no-confidence vote in parliament. Macron dismissed calls from opposition parties to resign, affirming his intention to remain in office until the 2027 presidential election.

During a televised address, Macron announced plans to appoint a new prime minister “in the coming days” tasked with forming a “government of general interest” to focus on passing a budget. The president criticized left-wing and far-right parties that backed the no-confidence motion, labeling them an “anti-republican front” and accusing them of prioritizing political maneuvering over public welfare.

Barnier’s Resignation and Budget Controversy
Barnier met Macron at the Élysée Palace on Thursday to submit his resignation, officially ending his tenure as the shortest-serving prime minister in modern French history. The Élysée confirmed that Barnier and his cabinet would continue to manage daily affairs until a new government is formed.

The no-confidence vote that led to Barnier’s ousting was prompted by his decision to push through a controversial €60 billion ($63.1 billion) budget plan aimed at reducing France’s fiscal deficit. The measures included tax hikes and spending cuts intended to lower the deficit from an estimated 6.1% of GDP in 2024 to 5% by 2025, with a target of 3% by 2029.

While the plan was designed to stabilize the French economy, it sparked widespread opposition, ultimately costing Barnier his position. Macron, however, emphasized the need for fiscal reforms, signaling his continued commitment to addressing economic challenges.

The president’s forthcoming choice of prime minister and their ability to navigate the political crisis will likely determine the trajectory of France’s governance in the coming months.