Russian official blasts Macron’s presidency after historic no-confidence motion

Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Russian State Duma, took to his Telegram channel to comment on the political situation in France, specifically French President Emmanuel Macron's recent political setbacks.

Volodin pointed out that for the first time since 1962, Macron's government was forced to resign after receiving a vote of no confidence in parliament, Caliber.Az reports citing his post.

"The government lasted only 91 days, setting an anti-record in the history of France," Volodin remarked, adding that Macron’s attempt to cling to power had failed.

He further criticised Macron, saying that the president had led France into a severe political and economic crisis. "The times of de Gaulle and Mitterrand are far in the past," Volodin stated.

The speaker also accused Macron of losing France’s independence in decision-making, particularly highlighting the president’s support for US policies.

"By allowing Biden to drag himself into the war in Ukraine and then trying to become the leader of its support among the EU states, Macron has finally lost the trust of his own population," Volodin wrote, emphasizing that the French people now understood the consequences of such policies.

Volodin concluded, "The time of Macron, Biden, and the like should be a thing of the past."

In a related development, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier was forced to resign after only three months in office. This comes after a no-confidence vote, with 331 of 577 lawmakers backing the motion. Barnier’s government had faced increasing instability, and his resignation marks the first time since 1962 that a French government has been ousted in such a manner. Barnier’s short tenure will make him the shortest-serving prime minister in French history.

The resignation follows a tense period in French politics, with Barnier’s minority government struggling to maintain support after Macron’s snap election in the summer resulted in a fragmented parliament. Barnier accused the far-right of political blackmail, as they had initially agreed to certain concessions but later demanded more.

Macron is expected to address the French public on December 5 evening, after Barnier formally submits his resignation to the president. The task of appointing a new prime minister will likely be difficult, as Macron must navigate the complex political landscape and appease factions on both extremes of French politics.

By Tamilla Hasanova