Macron says 'coalition of the irresponsible' has sown chaos after Barnier ousted

French president Emmanuel Macron has announced he will name a new prime minister in the coming days to replace the ousted Michel Barnier as the French premier refused to heed calls for his own resignation. In a 10-minute address to the nation, Mr Macron accused the extreme left and right, who shockingly combined to pass a vote of no confidence in Mr Barnier on Wednesday, of thinking only about themselves, and not the voters.

- TOM WATLING

Earlier, he had described the two parties, which include the farright National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, and the far-left France Unbowed party, as a “coalition of the irresponsible”. The president said the parties had united in what he called “an antiRepublican front” and added: “I won't shoulder other people's irresponsibility”.

He accused the groups of creating “chaos” before Christmas in the hope of pushing for a new presidential election, and stated that he would not resign but see out his term until its natural end in 2027. He later reaffirmed his commitment to make France “stronger” and “fairer”.

“I know some people want to point the finger at me,” he said. “It is a lot easier to do that. I have always accepted my responsibilities. The mandate you have given me is for five years and I will exercise it until the very end.”