 "'He has to go': Opposition in France files impeachment motion against Macron amid political instability")
Opposition in France filed a motion in parliament demanding the impeachment of the country’s president, Emmanuel Macron. Jean-Luc Melenchon, a leader of the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, confirmed the news on Saturday, insisting that Macron’s exit is needed to ensure political stability in the country.
“He has to go,” Melenchon told a news conference in the northern city of Lille on Saturday. When asked about the current situation in Gaza, Melenchon emphasised that if his party were in power, the French Navy would have been escorting the Global Sumud Flotilla vessels carrying humanitarian aid to the war-torn coastal enclave.
He also pointed out that the current government of French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou would fall in a confidence vote on Monday, calling this possibility “a victory of the people”.
Political instability persists in France
It is pertinent to note that France has been facing mounting political tensions as Bayrou prepares for the crucial confidence vote in the National Assembly. The French Premier, who unveiled a 2026 budget framework in July, is seeking support from the parliament to save nearly €44 billion ($51 billion) as part of efforts to reduce France’s soaring public debt, now at 113 per cent of its GDP.
What makes the matter more concerning is the fact that France also has one of the EU’s largest budget deficits, which currently stands at 5.8 per cent. While addressing the parliament. Bayrou warned that the country is “on the brink of over-indebtedness” and urged lawmakers to choose “responsibility over chaos”.
Meanwhile, opposition parties across the spectrum, from the far-left LFI to the far-right National Rally (RN), as well as the Socialists, have vowed to vote against the government in the Monday voting. It is important to note that budget negotiations have been a major source of tensions in French politics.
France has already failed to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget last year, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Michel Barnier government in December, after left-wing and far-right parties united behind a no-confidence motion. Hence, Monday’s voting would reflect the turbulent nature of French politics.
 "Nowhere to run: Israeli strike flattens more high-rises in Gaza City as offensive looms")
 "Trump threatens Chicago with 'apocalyptic force' as Pritzker calls him a 'wannabe dictator'")
 "How Trump uses presidential power to target both allies and opponents")
 "Fiercer than ever: Improved India stamp authority with sound thrashing of China, issue warning to title-holders Korea")
 "Nowhere to run: Israeli strike flattens more high-rises in Gaza City as offensive looms")
 "Trump threatens Chicago with 'apocalyptic force' as Pritzker calls him a 'wannabe dictator'")
 "How Trump uses presidential power to target both allies and opponents")
 "Fiercer than ever: Improved India stamp authority with sound thrashing of China, issue warning to title-holders Korea")
