Fri Dec 06 15:10:09 UTC 2024: ## French Prime Minister Michel Barnier Ousted in No-Confidence Vote
**PARIS** – In a stunning political upset, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted following a successful no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. This marks the first time in 60 years that a French Prime Minister has been forced from office in this manner. Barnier, who served a mere 91 days, holds the record for the shortest-serving Prime Minister in recent French history.
The vote, which saw 331 out of 577 members voting against the government, followed intense opposition to Barnier’s 2025 social security budget. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s support, the budget proved highly controversial. Barnier’s statement that he would utilize the President’s special powers to pass the budget regardless of opposition fueled the no-confidence motion.
Barnier’s appointment itself followed a snap election earlier this year, where President Macron’s centrist coalition faced stiff competition from the left and the far-right National Rally. While the National Rally, a far-right party, ultimately won and received the President’s backing, they formed a minority government, leading to Barnier’s selection as Prime Minister amidst widespread protests.
Following the no-confidence vote and Barnier’s subsequent resignation, calls for President Macron to also resign are growing among opposition parties. The political landscape in France remains volatile in the wake of this unprecedented event.
First Piper 