French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to restore order by appointing a new prime minister in the coming days following the resignation of Michel Barnier. The political upheaval, triggered by a no-confidence vote, has plunged France into uncertainty as Macron struggles to hold his government together.
In a fiery televised address, Macron criticized the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, and far-left factions for their role in the no-confidence vote. “The extreme right and the extreme left united together in an anti-Republican front,” Macron said, accusing them of creating political chaos.
Le Pen dismissed Macron’s claims, insisting her party remains committed to opposing a left-leaning government. She reiterated her stance, stating, “We are opposed to a left-wing Prime Minister.”
Barnier, who had been appointed in September in an attempt to balance competing factions, will stay on in a caretaker role until Macron selects a successor. However, with parliament deeply divided, the president’s choice is unlikely to satisfy all sides.
Adding urgency to the situation is the December 21 budget deadline. If lawmakers fail to pass the budget, a fiscal continuity law could be implemented, allowing the government to function temporarily with spending capped at current levels.
Macron urged lawmakers to rise above political divisions, calling on the National Assembly to act in the nation’s interest. But with his authority weakened after a challenging snap election earlier this year, Macron faces an uphill battle to steer France out of its political quagmire.
