French Government Collapses as PM Barnier Ousted in No-Confidence Vote

The French government has collapsed after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote, marking the first such event since 1962. Barnier, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron just three months ago, faced opposition after using special powers to pass a controversial budget. The political instability follows a summer of snap elections that left no party with a majority in parliament. Barnier will remain as caretaker while Macron selects a successor, amid ongoing political deadlock and upcoming international events.