French government falls in no-confidence vote against PM Michel Barnier
On 4 December 2024, in France, the National Assembly passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, bringing down his government about three months after he was appointed.
Summary
On 4 December 2024, in France, lawmakers passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier with 331 votes, bringing down his government about three months after President Emmanuel Macron appointed him. Left-wing and far-right lawmakers backed the motion after Barnier used special constitutional powers to push through his budget without a vote. It was the first time a French government had fallen in a no-confidence vote since 1962.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 4 Dec 2024, France
- Prime Minister ousted
- Michel Barnier
- Votes for motion
- 331
- Trigger
- Budget pushed through using special powers without a vote
- Last such fall
- 1962
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which French Prime Minister was ousted in a no-confidence vote on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Michel Barnier
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): French lawmakers passed a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, bringing down his government.
How many votes were cast in support of the no-confidence motion against Michel Barnier's government on 4 December 2024?
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Correct answer: A — 331
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): a total of 331 lawmakers voted in support of the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
The fall of Michel Barnier's government on 4 December 2024 was the first time a French government lost a no-confidence vote since:
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Correct answer: C — 1962
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): it was the first time a French government had collapsed in a no-confidence vote since 1962.
Consider the following statements about the French no-confidence vote of 4 December 2024: 1. It followed Michel Barnier's use of special powers to push through his budget without a vote. 2. President Emmanuel Macron resigned after the vote. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
BBC and Reuters (4 Dec 2024): the motion followed Barnier's use of special powers to force through his budget without a vote, so statement 1 is correct. BBC reports Macron had said he would not resign whatever the outcome and was due to address the nation, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.