French Prime Minister Michel Barnier Ousted

Michel Barnier has become the shortest-serving Prime Minister in modern French history, being ousted after just 89 days in office following a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. The vote was prompted by Barnier's austerity budget, which proposed €60 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts to address France's significant public deficit. Both the far-right National Rally and the leftist New Popular Front united against him, marking the first time a French government has been toppled by such a vote since 1962. Emmanuel Macron is now tasked with appointing a fourth prime minister within a year, as Barnier's administration faced significant opposition from both sides of the political spectrum. Political instability following Barnier's removal raised concerns about potential financial collapse and economic downturn in France, reminiscent of Greece's debt crisis. The swift political changes reflect ongoing challenges within the French government and its ability to govern effectively amidst mounting public discontent.