French President Emmanuel Macron is facing the worst political crisis of his career as the parliament Wednesday (Dec 5) passed a no-confidence motion against the coalition of right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier. He was appointed by Macron to the PM post just three months back, and now his exit makes his administration’s stint the shortest that Paris has seen since 1958.

The no-confidence proposal was tabled by left-wing parties but was also backed by lawmakers from National Rally, the right-wing party of anti-immigration champion Marine Le Pen. The proposal saw overwhelming support from 331 lawmakers, a clear majority. Macron is not obliged to step down following the vote but his biggest challenge would be to deal with a divided national assembly.

French political crisis began with June snap elections as no alliance or party got absolute majority, as the assembly essentially stood divided among three major groups—Macron’s centrist group, Le Pen’s far right-wing camp and a group of leftist parties. Following two months of uncertainty, Macron had appointed Barnier as the country’s PM in September after getting initial support from the National Rally.

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The no-confidence vote was triggered by Barnier’s push to rush a social security financing bill by invoking Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows a government to pass legislation without a vote in parliament. It prompted both left-wing and right-wing parties to bring a no-confidence motion against the loosely held alliance.

One of the key tasks of the Barnier government was to get approved the budget for 2025, which he claimed would address France’s deficit with €60bn in tax increases and spending cuts. But the standoff continued even after weeks of negotiations. Le Pen labelled the proposed budget a danger to the country and ‘a disaster’.

Watch:&nbsp;President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Impeachment Vote After Martial Law Attempt

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Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a National Rally MP lawmaker, also criticised the draft budget saying. “[Having] no budget is better than the actual budget, which says a lot about how bad it is.”

The French political crisis is expected to last at least until July 2025, the month after which new parliament polls can be called.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing the worst political crisis of his career as the parliament Wednesday (Dec 5) passed a no-confidence motion against the coalition of right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier.

French President Emmanuel Macron is facing the worst political crisis of his career as the parliament Wednesday (Dec 5) passed a no-confidence motion against the coalition of right-wing Prime Minister Michel Barnier. He was appointed by Macron to the PM post just three months back, and now his exit makes his administration’s stint the shortest that Paris has seen since 1958. The no-confidence proposal was tabled by left-wing parties but was also backed by lawmakers from National Rally, the right-wing party of anti-immigration champion Marine Le Pen. The proposal saw overwhelming support from 331 lawmakers, a clear majority. Macron is not obliged to step down following the vote but his biggest challenge would be to deal with a divided national assembly. French political crisis began with June snap elections as no alliance or party got absolute majority, as the assembly essentially stood divided among three major groups—Macron’s centrist group, Le Pen’s far right-wing camp and a group of leftist parties. Following two months of uncertainty, Macron had appointed Barnier as the country’s PM in September after getting initial support from the National Rally. Also read: Trump picks Adam Boehler as envoy for hostage affairs, also announces trade adviser, Army secretary The no-confidence vote was triggered by Barnier’s push to rush a social security financing bill by invoking Article 49.3 of the constitution, which allows a government to pass legislation without a vote in parliament. It prompted both left-wing and right-wing parties to bring a no-confidence motion against the loosely held alliance. One of the key tasks of the Barnier government was to get approved the budget for 2025, which he claimed would address France’s deficit with €60bn in tax increases and spending cuts. But the standoff continued even after weeks of negotiations. Le Pen labelled the proposed budget a danger to the country and ‘a disaster’. Watch: President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Impeachment Vote After Martial Law Attempt × Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a National Rally MP lawmaker, also criticised the draft budget saying. “[Having] no budget is better than the actual budget, which says a lot about how bad it is.” The French political crisis is expected to last at least until July 2025, the month after which new parliament polls can be called. (With inputs from agencies)

French parliament fires PM Barnier, plunging country into deep political crisis

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said on Wednesday that he will name his government next week. President Emmanuel Macron last Thursday chose Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative and former Brexit negotiator, to lead the government after two months of political turmoil following snap elections that saw no party winning an outright majority in parliament.

France: Barnier meets leaders from all political parties

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier has said that post-Brexit trade talks were on, and that only a few hours were left to reach an agreement with Britain.

"It's the moment of truth," Barnier told the European Parliament.

"We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations... if you want this agreement to enter into force on January 1."

Barnier, who headed into last-ditch talks with his UK counterpart David Frost immediately after meeting MEPs, said fisheries remain the main sticking point.&nbsp;British companies trading in other areas would "remain stable in their rights", he said, but EU fishing crews would lose out on guaranteed access.&nbsp;

Late on Thursday, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen held a call that failed to break the logjam in trade talks.

"I think I've always been frank with you, and open and sincere. I cannot say what will come up during this last home straight of the negotiations. We have to be prepared for all eventualities," Barnier told the MEPs.

Britain left the European Union on January 31 and will leave the EU single market on December 31 at midnight, with or without a follow-on accord.

Without a trade deal, cross-Channel trade will be conducted on basic WTO rules and 47 years of economic integration will be disrupted by tariffs on goods.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier has said that post-Brexit trade talks were on, and that only a few hours were left to reach an agreement with Britain. "It's the moment of truth," Barnier told the European Parliament.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier has said that post-Brexit trade talks were on, and that only a few hours were left to reach an agreement with Britain. "It's the moment of truth," Barnier told the European Parliament. "We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations... if you want this agreement to enter into force on January 1." Barnier, who headed into last-ditch talks with his UK counterpart David Frost immediately after meeting MEPs, said fisheries remain the main sticking point. British companies trading in other areas would "remain stable in their rights", he said, but EU fishing crews would lose out on guaranteed access. Late on Thursday, Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen held a call that failed to break the logjam in trade talks. "I think I've always been frank with you, and open and sincere. I cannot say what will come up during this last home straight of the negotiations. We have to be prepared for all eventualities," Barnier told the MEPs. Britain left the European Union on January 31 and will leave the EU single market on December 31 at midnight, with or without a follow-on accord. Without a trade deal, cross-Channel trade will be conducted on basic WTO rules and 47 years of economic integration will be disrupted by tariffs on goods. (with inputs from agencies)

Chief EU negotiator Barnier says just hours left for Brexit talks

The European Union’s chief negotiator on Tuesday claimed that the bloc’s unity on Brexit remains strong, and the member countries are working together to ensure a fair deal, which will define the route of EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom in the future.

"Strong EU unity confirmed ahead of European Council," Michel Barnier tweeted after a European Affairs ministers briefing in Luxembourg. "The EU will continue to work for a fair deal in the coming days and weeks”, Barnier added.

On October 9, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that&nbsp;Brexit negotiations with the European Union had made progress in some areas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-says-progress-in-brexit-talks-with-eu-334002" hreflang="en">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says progress in Brexit talks with EU</a>

The two sides say they are inching towards a deal that would govern around $900 billion in trade after December&nbsp;31,&nbsp;when the current transitional arrangements end, though sticking points remain on fishing, level playing field issues and governance.

Britain's Brexit supremo, Michael Gove, said on Monday&nbsp;that the clauses of the Internal Market Bill that undercut the Withdrawal Treaty would remain, despite a demand from the European Union that London scrap them.

The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is&nbsp;now winding its way through parliament and would override parts of the Brexit treaty that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with the European Union last year.

Johnson argues it will provide a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland,&nbsp;although his government has admitted that in overwriting a treaty it breaks international law.

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The proposed law has infuriated EU members, who had demanded that it be withdrawn or amended before a deadline of Wednesday this week,&nbsp;but, after his meeting in Brussels with Sefcovic, Gove insisted it would not be changed.

Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year.

Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe.

The European Union’s chief negotiator on Tuesday claimed that the bloc’s unity on Brexit remains strong, and the member countries are working together to ensure a fair deal, which will define the route of EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom in the future.

The European Union’s chief negotiator on Tuesday claimed that the bloc’s unity on Brexit remains strong, and the member countries are working together to ensure a fair deal, which will define the route of EU’s relationship with the United Kingdom in the future. "Strong EU unity confirmed ahead of European Council," Michel Barnier tweeted after a European Affairs ministers briefing in Luxembourg. "The EU will continue to work for a fair deal in the coming days and weeks”, Barnier added. On October 9, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Brexit negotiations with the European Union had made progress in some areas. Also read: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says progress in Brexit talks with EU The two sides say they are inching towards a deal that would govern around $900 billion in trade after December 31, when the current transitional arrangements end, though sticking points remain on fishing, level playing field issues and governance. Britain's Brexit supremo, Michael Gove, said on Monday that the clauses of the Internal Market Bill that undercut the Withdrawal Treaty would remain, despite a demand from the European Union that London scrap them. The British government unveiled an "Internal Markets Bill" last month which is now winding its way through parliament and would override parts of the Brexit treaty that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson struck with the European Union last year. Johnson argues it will provide a "safety net" against what he claimed are EU threats to impose tariffs on UK internal trade and even stop food going from mainland Britain to Northern Ireland, although his government has admitted that in overwriting a treaty it breaks international law. Also read: UK PM Johnson 'optimistic' over Brexit deal ahead of talks with EU chief The proposed law has infuriated EU members, who had demanded that it be withdrawn or amended before a deadline of Wednesday this week, but, after his meeting in Brussels with Sefcovic, Gove insisted it would not be changed. Both London and Brussels say a deal on a free trade agreement must be struck by mid-October to allow time for it to be ratified before coming into force from January 1 next year. Failure to do so would see trade conducted on World Trade Organization rules, with higher tariffs and quotas and almost certain economic chaos for Britain and Europe.

EU unity on getting a fair Brexit deal strong, says chief negotiator Barnier

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure.

But Michel Barnier made it clear that Brussels has no plans to renegotiate the divorce deal it signed with Johnson's predecessor <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pleased-to-hand-over-charge-to-boris-johnson-says-theresa-may-in-british-parliament-238188&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LcJNVgJS908UB58BjSmTf">Theresa May</a> in November last year.

"It's a very important moment for the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-a-divisive-politician-with-do-or-die-pledge-over-brexit-237944&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nKzV0cGQqoP_TqmQkzmPM">Brexit</a>. We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister Boris Johnson wants. What are the choices of the UK? Is it an orderly Brexit?" Barnier told the BBC.

"The 'no deal' will never be the choice of the EU, but we are prepared... we will work all along the next few weeks or months with the new UK government in the best possible way, in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement."

Asked what he thinks of Johnson, who has demanded the deal be reopened, Barnier said he had only met him once, at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and added: "We will work with him. I think he is clever."&nbsp;

Earlier, Barnier had briefed the European Parliament's Brexit steering group, under former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt. The MEPs also stuck to Brussels' line that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated.

"This is our position it is impossible to change our position," group member Antonio Tajani told reporters.

But the MEPS reiterated that they would support EU leaders if they decide to rewrite an accompanying non-binding political declaration to seek "a more ambitious future EU-UK partnership".

WATCH:&nbsp;What drove Boris Johnson to the top?

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A closer future relation could ensure "the Irish backstop would not be necessary", the group's statement said. Johnson insists the backstop must be removed from the withdrawal agreement, an idea rejected by EU capitals.

The group congratulated Johnson but warned that recent statements, not least those made during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, have greatly increased the risk of a disorderly exit of the UK.

And they warned that a disorderly or no-deal Brexit -&nbsp;which Johnson has said he will pursue if the deal is not rewritten before October 31 - would be "very damaging".

"Such an exit will not be mitigated by any form of arrangements or mini deals between the EU and the UK."

The Brexit Steering Group "recalls that there is no transition period without a withdrawal agreement," it said.

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure.

The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday that he was looking forward to working with incoming prime minister Boris Johnson to agree Britain's orderly departure. But Michel Barnier made it clear that Brussels has no plans to renegotiate the divorce deal it signed with Johnson's predecessor Theresa May in November last year. "It's a very important moment for the Brexit. We look forward to hearing what the new prime minister Boris Johnson wants. What are the choices of the UK? Is it an orderly Brexit?" Barnier told the BBC. "The 'no deal' will never be the choice of the EU, but we are prepared... we will work all along the next few weeks or months with the new UK government in the best possible way, in a very constructive spirit to facilitate the ratification of the withdrawal agreement." Asked what he thinks of Johnson, who has demanded the deal be reopened, Barnier said he had only met him once, at the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, and added: "We will work with him. I think he is clever." Earlier, Barnier had briefed the European Parliament's Brexit steering group, under former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt. The MEPs also stuck to Brussels' line that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated. "This is our position it is impossible to change our position," group member Antonio Tajani told reporters. But the MEPS reiterated that they would support EU leaders if they decide to rewrite an accompanying non-binding political declaration to seek "a more ambitious future EU-UK partnership". WATCH: What drove Boris Johnson to the top? × A closer future relation could ensure "the Irish backstop would not be necessary", the group's statement said. Johnson insists the backstop must be removed from the withdrawal agreement, an idea rejected by EU capitals. The group congratulated Johnson but warned that recent statements, not least those made during the Conservative Party leadership campaign, have greatly increased the risk of a disorderly exit of the UK. And they warned that a disorderly or no-deal Brexit - which Johnson has said he will pursue if the deal is not rewritten before October 31 - would be "very damaging". "Such an exit will not be mitigated by any form of arrangements or mini deals between the EU and the UK." The Brexit Steering Group "recalls that there is no transition period without a withdrawal agreement," it said.

European Union will work with 'clever' Johnson: Barnier

The EU's Brexit negotiator urged the British government on Saturday to stop playing "hide and seek" over its aims for trade ties and warned that delays in agreeing on judicial oversight risk wrecking any Brexit deal.

In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit.

In the text of a speech in Portugal to experts in EU law, he accused British leaders of failing to understand that it was the unique legal structures of the EU, to which Britain had contributed for 45 years, which underpinned trust among member states. These, he said, could not be extended to a non-member.

The former French minister's comments come two days after an EU official dismissed as "fantasy" London's ideas for a customs deal, the border with Ireland and other issues.

British ministers said those remarks were not "helpful". Both sides are hoping to make progress on a treaty before Prime Minister Theresa May meets the other 27 EU national leaders in a month in Brussels. They aim to agree a treaty by October.

Barnier said he was ready to have "political level" talks to try to advance in three key areas where uncertainty remains, 10 months before Britain is due to leave in March 2019 -- how to rule on future disputes over the withdrawal treaty, a "backstop" solution for the Irish border and a framework for future ties.

May's government, deeply divided over how to stick close to the EU, is debating whether to drop its rejection of a customs union. Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom would like to change its own red lines, it must tell us. The sooner the better ... A negotiation cannot be a game of hide and seek."

On the issue of the governance of a withdrawal treaty, he repeated the EU's insistence that primacy of the European Court of Justice inside the Union be maintained in regulating any dispute that could not be resolved by a joint committee appointed by the political leadership of both sides.

The role of British judges would be respected, he added.

But "without an agreement on governance, there will be no withdrawal agreement and so no transition period."

Many businesses are counting on a broad status quo between Britain and the EU after Brexit, agreed until the end of 2020.

Barnier also criticised British officials for accusing the EU of inflexibility that would leave gaps in cooperation on security and other areas which would hurt both sides: "I see the temptation of a 'blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit," he said.

"But that will not sway us. That will not sway me."

Citing British demands to be allowed to stay inside the EU's data protection system in the interests of EU business, Barnier said this was to miss the importance of the EU's internal rules.

"Let's be clear: Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses," he said. "It would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions.

"The United Kingdom must face up to the reality of the Union. It must also face the reality of Brexit ... It is one thing to be inside the Union and another to be on the outside."

In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit

The EU's Brexit negotiator urged the British government on Saturday to stop playing "hide and seek" over its aims for trade ties and warned that delays in agreeing on judicial oversight risk wrecking any Brexit deal. In pointed remarks after an ill-tempered week of talks in Brussels, Michel Barnier insisted he would not be intimidated by what he called a "blame game" from London of accusing the EU of inflexibility in rejecting British demands for close cooperation on security, trade and other issues after Brexit. In the text of a speech in Portugal to experts in EU law, he accused British leaders of failing to understand that it was the unique legal structures of the EU, to which Britain had contributed for 45 years, which underpinned trust among member states. These, he said, could not be extended to a non-member. The former French minister's comments come two days after an EU official dismissed as "fantasy" London's ideas for a customs deal, the border with Ireland and other issues. British ministers said those remarks were not "helpful". Both sides are hoping to make progress on a treaty before Prime Minister Theresa May meets the other 27 EU national leaders in a month in Brussels. They aim to agree a treaty by October. Barnier said he was ready to have "political level" talks to try to advance in three key areas where uncertainty remains, 10 months before Britain is due to leave in March 2019 -- how to rule on future disputes over the withdrawal treaty, a "backstop" solution for the Irish border and a framework for future ties. May's government, deeply divided over how to stick close to the EU, is debating whether to drop its rejection of a customs union. Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom would like to change its own red lines, it must tell us. The sooner the better ... A negotiation cannot be a game of hide and seek." On the issue of the governance of a withdrawal treaty, he repeated the EU's insistence that primacy of the European Court of Justice inside the Union be maintained in regulating any dispute that could not be resolved by a joint committee appointed by the political leadership of both sides. The role of British judges would be respected, he added. But "without an agreement on governance, there will be no withdrawal agreement and so no transition period." Many businesses are counting on a broad status quo between Britain and the EU after Brexit, agreed until the end of 2020. Barnier also criticised British officials for accusing the EU of inflexibility that would leave gaps in cooperation on security and other areas which would hurt both sides: "I see the temptation of a 'blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit," he said. "But that will not sway us. That will not sway me." Citing British demands to be allowed to stay inside the EU's data protection system in the interests of EU business, Barnier said this was to miss the importance of the EU's internal rules. "Let's be clear: Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses," he said. "It would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions. "The United Kingdom must face up to the reality of the Union. It must also face the reality of Brexit ... It is one thing to be inside the Union and another to be on the outside."

End 'hide and seek' Brexit approach, Barnier tells UK

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