French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to appoint a new prime minister “in the coming days” following a no-confidence vote that brought down the government and plunged the nation into political uncertainty. Speaking in a televised address on Thursday night, Macron rejected mounting calls for his resignation and vowed to serve his full term until 2027.
Macron denounced what he called an “anti-republican front” formed by far-right and hard-left lawmakers.
“I will exercise the mandate you gave me fully, until its term,” Macron said in his address from the Elysée Palace.
The government of Michel Barnier fell Wednesday when 331 deputies backed a censure motion, marking the first such successful vote since 1962.
The National Rally party joined forces with left-wing opponents to topple Barnier’s administration, which had attempted to push through a social security budget without a vote using article 49.3 of the constitution.
“I will appoint in the coming days a prime minister who will form a government of general interest,” said Macron – adding that the new government would represent all political forces willing to participate or at least pledge not to censure it.
Macron announced plans for a “special law” to be presented to parliament in mid-December to extend the 2024 budget framework into 2025.
The temporary measure aims to “protect the French” from potential tax increases and support local mayors and farmers.
“This is allowed under our constitution and will guarantee the continuity of public services and national life,” Macron said.
A full budget proposal will be presented at the start of 2025, he added.
