France's government has fallen after Prime Minister Michel Barnier lost a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly on Wednesday. A significant majority of 331 members voted in favor of the motion, surpassing the required 288 votes, leading to the collapse of the government.

Barnier's appointment by President Emmanuel Macron occurred just three months prior, in September. This makes him the shortest-serving prime minister in French history. Before the vote, Barnier acknowledged the imminent end of his tenure, stating that serving France had been an honor.

The no-confidence vote stemmed from budgetary disagreements and saw an unusual alliance between far-right and far-left lawmakers against the government. The July legislative elections significantly shifted the parliamentary landscape, with Macron's centrist Ensemble coalition losing numerous seats to the leftist New Popular Front coalition.

Following the vote, National Rally leader Marine Le Pen expressed her willingness to collaborate with the incoming prime minister on a new budget. She emphasized the importance of respecting voters and addressing their concerns. While Le Pen denied explicitly calling for Macron's resignation, she suggested that continued disregard for voters could intensify pressure on the president. Macron, who faces pressure to resign himself, is expected to appoint a new prime minister, his second, while intending to complete his term in 2027.