French PM to resign after just three months in office, political chaos ensues

PARIS: The French government collapsed after losing a vote of no confidence while Prime Minister, Michel Barnier is expected to resign on Thursday, just three months after taking office. Michel Barnier assumed office on September 5th. His unilateral move to use special powers to pass the Finance Bill led to a no-confidence motion.

The far right and the left rallied to support the no-confidence motion against Barnier. The resolution was presented by the Left. 331 MPs voted in favour of the no-confidence motion while only 288 votes were required to pass the resolution.

It is reported that President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation on Thursday night. With Barnier's resignation, the cabinet will be dissolved. The summer elections have resulted in a hung parliament in France with no party holding a clear majority. The president’s decision would be vital to know how France would come out of the political chaos.

This is the first time since 1962 that a government has been ousted by a vote of no confidence in France.