Political Crisis In France As No-Confidence Motion Topples Govt

France's right-wing government falls after a no-confidence motion supported by left-wing and far-right parties, plunging the country into political crisis.

A no-confidence motion has toppled the government in France which has already been witnessing political instability.

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A political crisis has erupted in France after a no-confidence motion toppled the government, bringing an end to the beleaguered minority coalition of the rightwing prime minister Michel Barnier after only three months.

An alliance of the left-wing parties brought the no-confidence motion which was also backed up by MPs from Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration, far-right, National Rally. A total of 331 lawmakers voted on Wednesday to bring down the government, reported The Guardian. 

Following the development, Barnier will resign as prime minister on Thursday morning having warned before the vote that France would be “plunged into the unknown”.

Macron is also scheduled to address the nation in a televised address, his office said after the vote. 

The French President is not obliged to stand down himself over the no-confidence vote. He has ruled out resignation and called such a scenario "political friction." However, a section of the left and far right called for his exit. 

The no-confidence vote and the subsequent toppling of the government leaves French President Emmanuel Macron facing the worst political crisis of his two terms as president. There has been uncertainty over how a 2025 budget can be decided as France faces a growing public deficit, and over whom Macron could appoint as prime minister. 

The French parliament has been fragmented into three groups with no absolute majority since June when Macron called a sudden and inconclusive snap election. 

A left alliance bagged the largest number of votes but fell short of an absolute majority. Macron's centrist grouping also suffered losses but is still standing and Le Pen's far-right National Rally gained seats but was held back from power by tactical voting from the left and centre. 

Macron had appointed Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, in September, two months after the political paralysis this summer.