In an unprecedented move, the French Parliament has taken a significant step towards impeaching President Emmanuel Macron. The proposal has successfully passed a major procedural checkpoint and will now advance to the committee stage for further evaluation.
Proposal Clears Major Hurdle
Earlier this month, the New Popular Front (NPF) coalition, which emerged with the highest number of seats in the recent National Assembly elections but fell short of an outright majority, introduced the impeachment measure. This action came after President Macron chose Michel Barnier, a former EU commissioner from the right-wing Les Républicains, over the NPF’s preferred candidate for prime minister, Lucie Castets. Barnier’s party holds a minor presence in the National Assembly, with only 61 out of 577 seats.
The NPF’s petition, backed by over 80 lawmakers, met the constitutional requirement of receiving support from at least 10% of the Assembly’s members. On Monday, the proposal was approved by the Bureau of the National Assembly with a narrow 12-10 vote.
Reaction and Next Steps
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of France Unbowed (LFI), a major partner in the NPF coalition, expressed his approval on social media platform X, stating, “Great news. Rejecting the result of the universal vote will not remain without consequences for Macron.”
The impeachment resolution now progresses to the Legal Committee, which must review it and report its findings. The National Assembly is required to schedule a debate on the issue within two weeks following the committee’s report.
Historical Implications
Should the resolution advance to the Assembly’s agenda, it would represent a historic moment for the Fifth Republic. This is the first instance where the National Assembly might consider the recall of a sitting president. Impeaching Macron would necessitate a two-thirds majority in the Assembly, equating to 385 votes. Currently, the opposition holds only 364 seats, making this outcome highly challenging.
If the Assembly approves the resolution, it would then be sent to the Senate, where it would need 232 votes to pass.
Political Context
In the July legislative elections, President Macron’s bloc formed a tactical alliance with the NPF during the second round, amid fears that the right-wing populist National Rally (RN) might secure a victory. The NPF won 180 seats, while Macron’s bloc secured 159 and the RN managed 142 seats. The Republicans (LR), having been divided over their support for the RN, won a modest 39 seats.
Initially, Macron retained Gabriel Attal as prime minister on a technical basis before appointing Michel Barnier on September 5.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the forthcoming debates and decisions within the French Parliament regarding this historic impeachment effort.
Free Speech and Alternative Media are under attack by the Deep State. We need your support to survive. Please Contribute via GoGetFunding
