Macron rejects resignation calls, pledges new Prime Minister in days

Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing the nation in a televised speech, vowed to appoint a new prime minister within days following the ousting of Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a no-confidence vote by the National Assembly.

This political setback has intensified calls for Macron’s resignation and deepened the country's political turmoil, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media.

Macron criticized the alliance of left-wing and far-right factions that led to Barnier’s removal, accusing them of creating a "sense of chaos" and prioritizing political games over governance. He specifically targeted Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally, accusing them of aligning with the far-left in an "anti-Republican front" to destabilize his administration.

Barnier, who will serve in a caretaker capacity, resigned after failing to secure parliamentary support for a controversial financing bill. Macron attributed the crisis to what he termed “cynical” opposition tactics. “They think about one thing: the presidential election,” he said, accusing detractors of undermining governance for electoral gains.

Despite calls for his resignation, Macron insisted on pushing forward, stating: "From today, it’s a new era," urging the National Assembly to act responsibly and prioritize the French people's interests.

Macron faces significant hurdles in appointing a new prime minister, as any candidate must win approval from the divided parliament. The current legislature, elected in a snap election last June, has diminished his authority, complicating his final term.

Opposition remains entrenched, with Le Pen reaffirming her party’s stance: “We have not changed our minds: we are opposed to a left-wing Prime Minister.”

The government faces a December 21 deadline to pass a budget. Failure to do so could force reliance on a “fiscal continuity law,” which would cap spending at 2024 levels to avoid a shutdown, according to S&P Global Ratings.

Barnier’s proposed budget included €60 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at reducing France’s deficit to 5% by 2025. Measures like delaying inflation-linked pension increases have sparked widespread opposition.

Barnier’s government became the first in France since 1962 to fall to a no-confidence motion. Macron’s attempt to appease both parliamentary factions by appointing Barnier has backfired, leaving him to navigate increasingly turbulent waters as his presidency enters its final phase.

By Tamilla Hasanova