A major political turmoil is currently going on in France. Or is it a political crisis? In this crisis, President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership has faced a major challenge. Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation, which came after a historic no-confidence vote, has exposed the flaws of not only Macron’s government but the entire French political system.

French President Macron addressed the nation on the political crisis and the strengths of his government after the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier, rejecting the opposition’s resignation demands and confirming that he will fulfill his mandate by 2027. The decision comes at a time when France is facing a divided parliament, economic challenges, and political instability.

Threat of Parliamentary Stalemate

The unprecedented no-confidence vote against Barnier in parliament, supported by 331 MPs (far-right National Rally and left-wing New Popular Front), highlights the vulnerability of Macron’s presidency.

The move came as Barnier used special constitutional powers to pass the 2025 budget without a parliamentary vote. While Macron called the decision necessary, opposition factions became more alienated. RN leader Marine Le Pen rejected Macron’s “anti-republican” claim, saying government dismissal is a constitutional right.

Challenges before Macron

Now the biggest challenge before Macron is to appoint a new prime minister who can navigate the parliamentary deadlock. There are speculations that Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and centrist leader François Bayrou are in the race. But bringing in a candidate who can win the support of a fractured legislature will be a difficult task.

The new government’s most immediate priority will be passing the 2025 budget, which is essential to stabilizing France’s economy. But opposition factions appear to be more focused on strengthening their position in the 2027 presidential elections rather than governance, making this task more difficult.

Big expectations

Macron’s decision to hold snap elections, taken in July to break a deadlock, is now backfiring, plunging the country into even more political turmoil. In his address, Macron admitted that his decision was “not understood.”But now there is a big question ahead of Macron’s leadership—will he emerge as a leader who can provide stability to France in times of crisis? “We can do the impossible,” he said in his address, highlighting France’s achievements, such as the rebuilt Notre-Dame Cathedral and the successful 2024 Olympics.

It remains to be seen whether Macron will be able to counter the opposition and bring back France’s political and economic stability with his next PM and policy moves.