French political crisis deepens as PM resigns

No-confidence vote topples govt, leaves Macron to name successor amid turmoil

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has stepped down following a no-confidence vote in parliament, ending his government's three-month tenure.

The motion, supported by 331 of 577 members of the National Assembly, made Barnier the shortest-serving prime minister in modern France's history.

"The prime minister today submitted the resignation of his government" to President Emmanuel Macron, who has "taken note" of the resignation, the Elysee said on Thursday. Barnier and his ministers remain "in charge of daily business until the appointment of a new government", it added.