French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is expected to resign on Thursday, just three months after taking office, following the first no-confidence vote in over 60 years. This unexpected move comes after Barnier’s government was ousted by a majority of 331 MPs in the National Assembly, triggered by a standoff over the upcoming austerity budget. The no-confidence motion was lead by the far-left and supported by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, who criticised the government’s fiscal policies as “toxic” and blamed President Emmanuel Macron for the political crisis.

Barnier’s resignation follows an unrestrained period for Macron, whose government is facing a fragmented parliament after snap elections in the summer, which resulted in a hung parliament. With no clear majority, the far-right holds significant power. Macron now faces the difficult task of selecting a new prime minister, with figures such as Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and former Socialist PM Bernard Cazeneuve being potential candidates.

The political clamor has worsened France’s domestic crisis, with unions calling for strikes over cost-cutting measures, which could disrupt schools and transportation. The resignation also coincides with Macron’s upcoming international event, the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Despite mounting pressure, Macron has rejected calls to resign.

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