French President Emmanuel Macron is set to name a new prime minister "in the coming days" after the shocking resignation of Michel Barnier, who was ousted following a historic no-confidence vote in parliament. This event marks a significant moment in French politics, as it is the first time a government has been voted down by the parliament in over 60 years, a move that Macron himself has labeled "unprecedented."

In a decisive 10-minute address to the nation, delivered on Thursday, Macron firmly rejected calls for his resignation amidst the political turmoil, assuring the public of his commitment to fulfill his mandate until 2027. He extended his gratitude to Barnier for his brief tenure and accused both the far-right and the hard-left factions of forming an "anti-republican front" aimed at destabilizing the government.

The no-confidence vote that led to Barnier's downfall saw an overwhelming 331 MPs support the motion—substantially more than the 288 votes needed for it to pass. This drastic political maneuver was orchestrated by a coalition between the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) after Barnier employed special powers to push through a controversial budget without parliamentary approval.

In response to the political upheaval, Le Pen took to social media to remind Macron that the censure was constitutional and not anti-republican as he claimed. Barnier will remain in his position on a caretaker basis until a new government is named.

Adding to the challenges facing Macron's administration, he has drawn heavy criticism for calling snap elections in July, which have led to a deadlock within parliament. The president acknowledged the backlash, admitting that his decisions have not been well-received. He stated, "Many have blamed me for it and I know, many continue to blame me. It's a fact and it's my responsibility."

While Macron did not reveal who might succeed Barnier, speculation is rife with potential candidates including Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and centrist former presidential candidate François Bayrou. However, the challenge remains to find a suitable candidate who can garner support from the fragmented parliament—a situation reminiscent of the difficulties faced by former PM Gabriel Attal.

Compounding the urgency of the situation is the imminent visit of world leaders, including the US President-elect, to the reopening ceremony of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris this Saturday. The cathedral, which suffered devastating damage in a fire in April 2019, has undergone remarkable reconstruction, symbolizing resilience and national pride. Macron emphasized that such monumental achievements, alongside France's preparations for the 2024 Olympics, demonstrate that "we can do great things" and that "the world admires us for that."

As France grapples with political uncertainty, all eyes will be on Macron's next steps amid the growing anticipation of his new prime minister—will this appointment stabilize the government or lead to further chaos? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding political drama!