Macron Accepts Barnier's Resignation Amid Political Turmoil

French President Emmanuel Macron accepted Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation on Thursday, a day after opposition lawmakers toppled his government. Barnier, who had served for just three months, submitted his resignation in a meeting at the Elysee Palace, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

The resignation follows a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly on Wednesday, where lawmakers ousted Barnier after he used his discretionary powers to pass the controversial social security budget without a parliamentary vote.

Barnier and his government will continue their duties until a new government is appointed, according to the presidency.

Macron is reportedly working to appoint a new prime minister within 24 hours. Names being discussed include Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who denied the rumors, and Francois Bayrou, a centrist politician and close ally of Macron. Former socialist candidate Segolene Royal also expressed interest in the position.

If Macron does not choose a prime minister from the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), lawmakers from the NFP have vowed to reject the new premier through a no-confidence vote.

Macron is expected to address the nation on Thursday evening, aiming to resolve the political instability ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s visit to Paris on Saturday for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral.

The political chaos has been brewing since June when Macron’s centrist bloc lost its majority in the European Parliament elections, and the far-right National Rally emerged victorious. Despite snap elections, no party secured an absolute majority, leaving Macron in a prolonged search for a stable government.

Barnier's resignation marks the first time since 1962 that a French government has fallen due to a no-confidence vote.