Opposition lawmakers in France have brought down Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government in a historic no-confidence vote on Thursday. Calls for President Emmanuel Macron's resignation are now growing, deepening the country's political crisis.
The proposed budget, totaling sixty billion euros, was met with strong opposition from both the far-right and left-wing lawmakers, who argue that the measures would disproportionately impact the French public. The budget, which aims to address France’s growing financial challenges, has sparked widespread protests and calls for government accountability. This is the first time since 1962 that a French government has lost such a vote.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, discussed the increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron. While she did not directly call for his resignation, Le Pen warned that continued disregard for voters' concerns would strengthen the pressure on the president. She suggested that Macron would ultimately have to decide whether to call for early elections or remain in power despite mounting opposition.
"I am not pushing for, I am not asking for the resignation of Emmanuel Macron," Le Pen said. "But if we don’t take the route of respecting the voters and political forces and elections, well, then the pressure on the president will of course be stronger and stronger. But he’s the only one who will make the decision, who will have the last word, on whether he wants the French people to vote again before 2027 or whether he wants to stay on the horse at any price, so to speak."
Meanwhile, the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party is calling for Macron’s resignation, accusing him of repeatedly imposing policies that the public has rejected. LFI members argue that Macron’s reforms are geared towards the wealthiest, burdening public services and ordinary citizens.
Mathilde Panot, a member of parliament from the far-left party, stated, "Today, with the no-confidence motion in this government, it is Emmanuel Macron's entire politics that has been defeated, one which was defeated three times in the results of elections, one which persists in wanting to make the people and the public service pay for policy made for the richest, one which must now stop. And to get out of the impasse in which the president has placed the country, there is only one solution, we now ask Emmanuel Macron to leave."
With Prime Minister Barnier's resignation expected, France faces political uncertainty. Without a new parliamentary election until July, the country is at risk of political paralysis, which could delay key decisions, including the approval of the 2025 budget. The situation has left France’s political future in question as both the public and lawmakers demand change.
Europe's newest uncrewed heavy launcher, the Ariane 6, successfully blasted off on Thursday in its first commercially operational launch, carrying a French military observation satellite into orbit.
In a significant development, France has stepped forward to offer intelligence assistance to Ukraine after the United States suspended its intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned Monday that the risk of war in Europe has reached unprecedented levels, noting that the front line has steadily moved closer to the continent over the past 15 years.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that the United Kingdom, France, and Ukraine have agreed to work together on a ceasefire plan to be presented to the United States.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
President Donald Trump has postponed 25% tariffs on many imports from Mexico and some from Canada for one month, easing concerns over a broader trade war.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, moving beyond Justin Trudeau’s decade in power. The race comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada fuel a wave of patriotism ahead of an expected election.
French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s criticism on Thursday, after the Kremlin warned him over nuclear rhetoric. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, he accused Moscow of imperialism and said Russia’s strong reaction showed his claims were true.
Torrential rains triggered severe flooding in eastern Spain on Thursday, sweeping away cars and forcing school evacuations. Authorities closed roads in Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia, with officials urging residents to stay indoors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to advance peace efforts. His team will remain in the country for talks with U.S. partners, he said in a Telegram post.
North Korea criticised upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills on Friday, warning they would worsen tensions on the Korean Peninsula, state media KCNA reported. The annual Freedom Shield exercises are set to begin on Monday and last until March 20.
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