French government topples as Barnier loses confidence vote
Political upheaval in Paris. The French parliament passed a motion of no confidence against Michel Barnier's government on Wednesday.
Two groups, the leftist New People's Front and the far-right National Rally, submitted the motion of no confidence. It was supported by 331 left-wing and far-right deputies, but it needed 289 votes to pass.
The political situation in France was tense because Barnier's government did not have a majority in parliament.
Michel Barnier's centre-right government was appointed on 21st September. The cabinet is now making history as the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic, dating back to 1958. The last time a French government fell due to a motion of no confidence was in 1962.
Stalemate in France. Complicated situation after elections
After Barnier's departure, President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister. However, this is a difficult task: no party in parliament has enough members and allies to ensure a majority for the new government, or at least to protect it from another vote of no confidence.
Source: PAP/WP Wiadomości
