French Government Collapses Following No-Confidence Vote

The French government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, was toppled in a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, marking the first time a French government has been defeated in such a motion since 1962. The vote saw 331 lawmakers out of 577 vote against Barnier's fragile government, with far-right and left-wing lawmakers joining forces to back the motion. Barnier is expected to tender his resignation and that of his government to President Emmanuel Macron shortly. This development marks a significant blow for the European Union, coming at a time when Germany is also mired in a parliamentary election campaign. Macron now faces the task of appointing a new prime minister for the second time since July's legislative elections, which resulted in a hung parliament with no party having an overall majority. The vote also makes Barnier the shortest-serving prime minister in French history, a position he is likely to hold until he resigns on Thursday morning. Macron is set to address the nation in a televised address on Thursday evening, reaffirming his commitment to serve until 2027. The collapse of the government has deepened France's political crisis, raising questions about the country's leadership and stability in the coming years.