The opposition requested a vote of no confidence after Prime Minister Michel Barnier forced through the government's social insurance budget without a vote in parliament.
A total of 331 members voted in favor of the no-confidence declaration – at least 288 yes-votes were required for it to pass.
A large majority voted in favor of the no-confidence declaration. An absolute majority was required for it to pass.
Dissatisfaction with the government has been great on both sides since Michel Barnier and the ministers took office just three months ago. But what triggered the no-confidence vote is that Barnier forced through the social insurance budget using an exception rule, as he could not get enough support for it in parliament.
This is the first time since 1962 that a French government falls in a vote of no confidence.
What happens now is unclear, but Macron cannot at least dissolve parliament and call new elections, as it has not been long enough since the last parliamentary election last summer according to French law.
