The French government with Prime Minister Michel Barnier at the helm is forced to resign after the parliament voted for a vote of no confidence on Wednesday evening. Something similar has not happened since 1962.
Despite the unusual outcome, it can be seen as expected, according to Göran von Sydow, head of the Swedish Institute for European Policy Studies (Sieps).
There is a certain political logic to this happening. Barnier has not managed to present a policy that appeals to either the left or the far right in order to gain a majority, he says.
A Difficult Balancing Act
After the summer's new elections, which were called by President Emmanuel Macron, three blocks were formed – the government's, a left-wing block, and a right-wing block including the far-right party National Rally. When Macron appointed the government, he hoped that a right-oriented government would be accepted by the far right – which did not happen.
What is now waiting can become even more uncertain than the last few months, according to von Sydow.
I find it difficult to see how this situation will be resolved and handled now. The ball will go back to Emmanuel Macron, who will have to consider his alternatives.
The French electoral system usually creates a majority to the right or left. None of today's blocks have the opportunity to create a stable majority on their own, which is partly due to the principle of not cooperating with National Rally or the radical left-wing Unsubmissive France.
They are very far apart politically. The strong forces that exist at the far left and right in the party system make it difficult for everyone else to gather and form a political majority with them.
A European Vacuum
Just like France, Germany has been thrown into a difficult political situation with new elections – countries that are often described as the engine that drives EU cooperation forward. At the same time, Donald Trump will take office as the US President in January.
It will be a period of vacuum of European leadership when many see that it is needed more than ever – in relation to the incoming American president, the strong geopolitical tensions, and the war. At the same time, it should be said that there are other sources of leadership within the EU. Now the Commission has taken office and other member states can take greater responsibility.
