French government collapses after no-confidence vote ousts Prime Minister Michel Barnier

The French government collapsed on 4 December 2024, as Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote.

Members of Parliament overwhelmingly voted against him, with 331 MPs supporting the motion—far exceeding the 288 votes required for it to pass. This marks the first time a French government has fallen to a no-confidence vote since 1962.

The motion, filed under Article 49, Paragraph 3 of the French Constitution, was prompted by Barnier’s controversial use of presidential decree to push through the 2025 social security budget without parliamentary approval.

His budget included a €60 billion (S$84.7 billion) deficit reduction plan, which opposition parties deemed unacceptable.

Two motions of censure were filed in response to the government’s actions:

• The first motion, submitted at 16:35 on 2 December 2024, was led by Mathilde Panot of the New Popular Front (NFP), along with Boris Vallaud, Cyrielle Chatelain, and André Chassaigne. It garnered the support of 181 MPs from left-wing and allied parties.
• The second motion, submitted an hour later by far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Éric Ciotti, had the backing of 138 MPs.

On 4 December, during a joint debate, the National Assembly voted first on the Panot-led motion, which passed. As a result, the second motion was not put to a vote.

Both the left-wing NFP and the far-right RN criticised the reforms, with RN leader Marine Le Pen labelling the budget “toxic for the French.”

Constitutional Context

Under Article 49-3 of the Constitution, the government may adopt a law without a parliamentary vote by committing its responsibility to the measure. This tactic is meant to expedite legislative processes in the absence of consensus but also opens the door for censure motions.

By invoking Article 49-3 on 2 December to pass the social security budget, Barnier bypassed parliamentary scrutiny, angering opposition parties. Following the adoption of the no-confidence motion, Article 50 of the Constitution mandates that Barnier present his government’s resignation to President Emmanuel Macron.

Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator, was appointed just three months ago by President Macron. However, his centrist government struggled to find common ground in the deeply fragmented parliament resulting from snap elections in the summer.

During Wednesday’s debate, Barnier defended his actions, arguing that France’s financial challenges necessitated tough decisions. “We have reached a moment of truth, of responsibility,” he said, adding that “it is not a pleasure that I propose difficult measures.”

Despite his defence, Barnier is now required to present the resignation of his government to President Macron. The budget that led to his downfall is no longer valid. However, Barnier is likely to remain as caretaker prime minister while Macron selects a successor.

Macron, who returned to France following a state visit to Saudi Arabia, is expected to announce his decision swiftly. He has scheduled a televised address to the nation on Thursday evening.

In a statement earlier this week, Macron ruled out resigning, regardless of the vote’s outcome.

Marine Le Pen, in an interview with TF1, argued that removing Barnier was the only solution. However, she clarified that her opposition was directed at Barnier’s government rather than Macron himself.

“I am not asking for the resignation of Emmanuel Macron,” she stated, though she warned that disrespecting voters and political forces could increase pressure on the president.

The collapse intensifies France’s political instability. The National Assembly remains in deadlock, with no single party or coalition commanding a majority.

New parliamentary elections cannot be held until July 2025, meaning the current fragmented assembly will persist for the foreseeable future.

Macron faces mounting pressure to stabilise the government, especially with key diplomatic events on the horizon. US President-elect Donald Trump is set to visit Paris this weekend for the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedral, a major symbolic occasion for France.

For now, France braces for further uncertainty as Macron seeks to navigate the fallout of the no-confidence vote.