Michel Barnier resigns as French prime minister

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned after losing a confidence vote, making him the shortest-serving prime minister in the Fifth Republic. His government was toppled over a budget aimed at reducing the deficit, which did not secure enough support. President Emmanuel Macron now faces the challenge of appointing a new prime minister amid a fractured parliament and cannot call new elections until July 2024.

Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right RN, withdrew support for Barnier, leading to the government's collapse without passing the contentious budget. Discussions for a new budget must begin promptly to ensure government functioning.