France is now in uncharted territory, with Emmanuel Macron facing a difficult choice in light of the ousting of Michel Barnier.

Barnier is now likely to resign immediately and carry out limited duties until a new PM is appointed.

Barnier could be asked to remain as a caretaker for a longer period, and put forward a number of emergency laws to help bring down the country’s deficit.

However, following the clear message sent by French MPs today, a similar move by Macron could be seen as defiant.

In the role of caretaker, Barnier would not be able to introduce legislation to parliament, including further votes on the 2025 budget.

If Macron decides to appoint a different PM, he will need to deal with the far-left and the far-right forces in parliament, who played a major role today in bringing down Barnier.