Paris [France], December 6 (HBTV): French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to continue his five-year mandate despite the recent no-confidence vote that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

In a speech delivered from the Elysee Palace on Thursday, Macron emphasized his responsibility to ensure the continuity of the state, the proper functioning of institutions, and the protection of the French people.

"Finally, the mandate that you democratically entrusted to me is a five-year mandate, and I will exercise it fully until its end. My responsibility requires ensuring the continuity of the State, the proper functioning of our institutions, the independence of our country, and the protection of all of you," Macron stated.

He further acknowledged the numerous challenges France has faced during his presidency, including social crises, the Covid-19 epidemic, the return of war, and inflation. "I have been doing this from the beginning, at your side, through all these trials," he added.

Macron also vowed to appoint a new prime minister within days. "From today, a new era must begin where everyone must act for France and where new compromises must be built. Because the planet is moving forward, because the challenges are numerous and because we must be ambitious for France. We cannot afford divisions or inaction," he stated.

The President confirmed that he would appoint a Prime Minister in the coming days, who will be tasked with forming a government representing all political forces and leading consultations. "The Prime Minister will have to lead these consultations and form a tight government at your service," Macron said.

Macron expressed gratitude toward the outgoing Prime Minister Barnier, praising his "dedication and tenacity" in his short tenure. "The Prime Minister handed me his resignation and that of his government, and I have taken note of it. I would like to thank Michel Barnier for the work he has done for the country, for his dedication, and for his tenacity," he said.

On December 6, the 331 members of the 577-seat lower house of the French parliament voted to remove Barnier's centrist minority government, causing political instability as the country faces a growing budget deficit. The no-confidence vote, led by opposition parties from the far-left and far-right, followed Barnier's use of special powers to push through budget measures without parliamentary approval.

Barnier's government, which lasted only 91 days, became the first in over six decades to be toppled by a no-confidence vote. He led a fragile coalition of Macron's centrist party and the right-wing Les Republicains (LR), but lacked an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Barnier's government faced criticism for bypassing parliament through the use of Article 49.3 of the French constitution to pass a controversial social security budget bill, which has now been rejected.   

(ANI)