French President Emmanuel Macron vows to continue his five-year term

Paris: Despite the recent no-confidence vote that resulted in Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to serve out the remainder of his five-year term.

Macron again emphasized his obligation to guarantee the safety of the French people, the continuation of the state, and the efficient operation of institutions.

The French president made the comments during his speech to the country on Thursday from the Elysee Palace.

“Lastly, I will completely fulfill the five-year mandate that you democratically entrusted to me until the conclusion of that time. It is my duty to make sure that the State continues, that our institutions operate properly, that our nation is independent, and that you are all protected.”

He continued, “I have been doing this from the beginning, at your side, through social crises, the Covid-19 epidemic, the return of war, inflation and so many trials that we have shared,” said Elysee.

Additionally, Macron promised to choose a new prime minister in a matter of days.
“A new era must start today, where everyone must act for France and where new compromises must be made,” he said. Because the world is changing, because there are many obstacles to overcome, and because we need to have high hopes for France. We cannot afford to be divided or to do nothing.

“For this reason, I will name a prime minister in the next few days. His task will be to establish a government of public interest that represents all the political forces in an arc of government that are either willing to participate in it or, at the very least, promise not to censor it. These conversations must be led by the prime minister, who will then assemble a close-knit administration to serve you,” Macron said.

Macron also mentioned French Prime Minister Barnier in his speech, complimenting him on his “dedication and tenacity.”

“I have taken note of the resignations that the prime minister handed me, both his own and his government’s,” Macron added. I express my gratitude to Michel Barnier for his contributions to the nation, as well as for his perseverance and commitment. When so many others failed to step forward, he and his ministers did.

Macron wrote: “I want to thank @MichelBarnier for the work he has done for our country, for his dedication and for his tenacity.” He shared a post on X.

Notably, the French parliament’s lower chamber, which has 577 seats, saw 331 MPs vote to overthrow Barnier’s centrist minority administration, plunging the nation into political upheaval as its financial deficit grew, according to a report by Al Jazeera on Wednesday.

When Barnier used his special powers to ram through budget changes without parliamentary approval, the far-left and far-right opposition parties called for the vote.

A no-confidence vote overthrew Barnier’s administration, making it the first in almost 60 years.

According to Euronews, Barnier was only prime minister for 91 days at the age of 73, and his administration, which included both right-wing and centrist ministers, was only in power for 74 days.

After using Article 49.3 of the French constitution to pass a social security budget measure without a legislative vote, Barnier’s administration was the focus of two no-confidence motions, according to Euronews. The budget bill for social security has finally been turned down.

The coalition was informal and lacked an absolute majority, but Barnier headed a precarious minority administration made up of the right-wing Les Republicains (LR) and President Macron’s centrist party. The RN had a major impact on politics thanks to its 124 members in the National Assembly.