Macron live: French president faces calls to resign as PM Barnier stands down after losing no confidence vote
France’s president Emmanuel Macron is facing growing calls to resign ahead of an address to the nation on Thursday evening, as prime minister Michel Barnier is set to step down in a growing political crisis.
Mr Barnier will become the shortest-serving French prime minister in modern history after opposition parties ousted his government in a historic no-confidence vote.
His administration is the first to be forced out by such a vote in more than 60 years, with the trigger being a clash over the country’s budget for next year. A majority of 331 voted in support of the motion to remove him; a minimum of 288 was needed.
Opposition parties tabled the motion after Mr Barnier controversially used special constitutional powers to force through a budget without a vote. The former Brexit negotiator was only appointed by Mr Macron in September.
It also further weakens the standing of Mr Macron, who precipitated the ongoing crisis with an ill-fated decision to call a snap election in June. Mr Macron, who faces growing calls to resign, has a mandate until 2027 and cannot be pushed out.
