The crisis stems from Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s controversial budget-cutting measures and bypassing Parliament for approval|European Parliament|CC BY 2.0

France’s government collapsed after a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, throwing the nation into political chaos. Prime Minister Michel Barnier, in power for three months, became the shortest-serving in modern French history.

Barnier’s administration fell with 331 votes against it, surpassing the majority required.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen played a pivotal role, leveraging her party’s influence to back the motion initiated by left-wing lawmakers.

The crisis in Europe’s second-largest economy stems from Barnier’s decision to bypass lawmakers to force a budget bill through Parliament.

President Emmanuel Macron may appoint a caretaker government, but stability seems elusive. 

France’s debt, now over 110% of GDP, has raised investor concerns, with bond yields surpassing Greece’s.