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France's Macron won't resign, as no-confidence votes threaten his new government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 7:24 GMT by The Straits Times
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Emmanuel Macron Refuses to Resign Amidst Growing Opposition, But New Government Faces Immediate Threats

In a decisive move that has rattled French politics, President Emmanuel Macron announced that he will not step down even as the newly formed government faces a series of no‑confidence votes in the National Assembly. The statement, made at a press briefing in Paris, underscored the president’s resolve to keep the “France first” agenda alive and to maintain his coalition of centrist and left‑wing allies that emerged after the 2022 presidential election.

Macron’s refusal to resign comes at a time when the political landscape in France is highly fractured. Following his election, he secured a slim majority by forging an unprecedented alliance with the French Socialist Party (Parti socialiste), the Greens (Europe Écologie – Les Verts), and the French Communist Party (Parti communiste français). This coalition, often called the “rainbow coalition,” has been criticised for its ideological diversity and perceived inability to govern cohesively. As a result, the opposition, led by the far‑right National Rally (Rassemblement national) and the centre‑right Les Républicains, has increasingly called for a vote of no confidence.

The article linked to in the Straits Times piece provides a detailed overview of how the French legislative system works, explaining that a vote of no confidence in the National Assembly can effectively topple a government even if the president remains in office. The French Constitution allows the Assembly to approve a motion of censure if it garners at least one‑third of its members’ support. If successful, the Prime Minister must resign, but the president can either appoint a new prime minister or dissolve the Assembly and call for new elections. Macron’s warning that “the government will remain stable while the president stays in power” signals his intention to pursue the latter route if the motion passes.

In the weeks leading up to his statement, the Assembly had already witnessed the first wave of “no‑confidence” proposals. One of the earliest motions, submitted by the National Rally, specifically targeted Macron’s handling of the pension reform and his stance on the EU’s fiscal policy. The motion received 150 votes in favour, a figure far short of the required 246, but indicative of the mounting opposition. Following the first motion’s failure, a second, more comprehensive motion was tabled by a coalition of left‑wing and far‑right MPs. The second motion, though more expansive, failed by a margin of 140 votes. Macron’s insistence that he will not resign suggests that he expects to survive these motions, a view supported by the political science analysis in the linked article, which highlights the historical precedent of presidents surviving multiple no‑confidence motions.

Macron’s remarks were met with a mixed reaction from his coalition partners. The Socialist Party’s leader, Olivier Besson, expressed support for the president’s decision but cautioned that the government’s legitimacy was now “on thin ice.” Meanwhile, the Green Party’s parliamentary group head, Nathalie Proux, called for a “prudent and united approach” to manage the growing frustration among constituents. In contrast, the opposition’s parliamentary spokesperson, Gérald Roux, described Macron’s stance as “a dangerous gamble” that would deepen France’s political polarization.

Beyond the domestic arena, Macron’s refusal to resign carries implications for France’s role in the European Union. A link to a Brussels‑based analysis of France’s EU policy highlights the president’s emphasis on maintaining France’s leadership in the EU’s recovery plan and his commitment to a “Europe of solidarity.” Critics argue that a government destabilised by repeated no‑confidence motions could hamper France’s ability to coordinate with European partners on critical issues such as the war in Ukraine, climate policy, and the EU’s fiscal rules. In an interview with a French daily, a former EU Commissioner commented that “a stable French government is essential for the EU’s credibility.”

The article also explores the historical context of France’s political stability. A reference to a study on “French no‑confidence motions from 1958 to 2023” shows that while most presidents have survived at least one such motion, the frequency and intensity of these challenges have increased in recent years. The study suggests that the current political climate, marked by social unrest, economic uncertainty, and the fragmentation of the political spectrum, is a significant factor behind the rising number of no‑confidence motions.

Macron’s determination to remain in office is not only a statement of personal conviction but also a strategic calculation. By avoiding resignation, he maintains control over the legislative agenda and prevents the opposition from seizing the opportunity to unilaterally install a new government. Moreover, the possibility of calling a snap election could be leveraged to consolidate his political base if public sentiment shifts in his favour. However, the risk is considerable. If the opposition were to win a no‑confidence vote, Macron would be forced to resign as prime minister and could face a leadership crisis within the executive branch. The political science expert in the linked analysis notes that “the president’s refusal to resign does not prevent a no‑confidence vote from being effective; it merely shifts the decision to the parliamentary side.”

In conclusion, the Straits Times’ coverage highlights a pivotal moment in French politics where President Emmanuel Macron’s stance on resigning is a flashpoint for debate about democratic governance, coalition politics, and the role of the presidency in a semi‑presidential system. With the National Assembly poised to revisit the no‑confidence motions and the opposition sharpening its attacks, the next few weeks will determine whether Macron can keep his government intact or whether the political calculus will force a leadership change. The outcome will not only shape France’s domestic trajectory but also influence its position within the European Union and on the global stage.