On Dec. 4, 2024, the French government collapsed following a vote of no-confidence that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This was the first no-confidence bill to pass since 1962, and it has sent France into deep uncertainty. The collapse didn’t come from nowhere, as tension in the French government has been growing for some time now. 

So what led to the end-of-2024 collapse? It occurred largely due to instability stemming from elections in the summer of 2024 that resulted in no party having a majority in Parliament. In early December, problems arose surrounding Barnier’s proposed budget, which was opposed by left-wing lawmakers and the far-right party. This opposition led to the vote of no-confidence that later led to the collapse of Barnier’s government.

A few weeks later a new government was instituted, and French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou as the new prime minister. They are currently working to navigate this complicated political crisis, but conflict between parties, along with growing unhappiness with French President Emmanuel Macron, continues to create uncertainty in French politics. 

As France continues to build up a stronger government, past challenges and unhappiness of the people will likely drive changes in political leadership.

Article by Aria Lynn-Skov