Countries around the world have had major leadership changes in recent days. In France, Prime Minister François Bayrou’s government collapsed after losing a no-confidence vote. In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stepped down on Sunday. And Thailand’s Parliament has chosen Anutin Charnvirakul as the country’s next prime minister.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou’s Government Collapses
On Monday, Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a no-confidence vote in France’s Parliament. This will end his government, meaning President Emmanuel Macron must now select France’s fourth prime minister in roughly a year.
After Mr. Macron suddenly called an election in June 2024, the results split parliament into three different groups – left, center, and far-right. The groups have very different positions, making it difficult to form coalitions that can work together.
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On Monday, French Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a no-confidence vote in parliament, ending his government after just nine months. President Emmanuel Macron must now select France’s fourth prime minister in roughly a year. Above, Mr. Bayrou speaks to members of parliament before the vote.
Mr. Bayrou believes that France owes far too much money. He says the country must make big cuts in its spending or the situation will be very difficult in the future. He called for Monday’s vote hoping that other politicians would support him. But the position was very unpopular – and so was Mr. Bayrou. He lost the no-confidence vote 364-194.
Mr. Macron says he will choose a new prime minister soon. Whoever he chooses will face a similar situation – a very divided parliament where it is difficult to reach agreements. People in France aren’t happy with the situation. They’ve called for a large protest on Wednesday.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Steps Down
On Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he would step down. He served as prime minister for less than a year. The move leaves lots of questions about the future leadership of Japan.
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On Sunday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he would step down. He served as prime minister for less than a year. Elections in July left the party with a minority in both houses of Japan’s Parliament. Above, Mr. Ishiba shown talking with reporters as he steps down on Sunday.
Mr. Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has led Japan for most of the last 70 years. But elections in July left the party with a minority in both houses of Japan’s Parliament. The views of many of Japan’s voters seem to be changing. July’s elections brought more seats to far-right parties.
Mr. Ishiba will continue to act as prime minister until the LDP chooses a new leader in early October. Several politicians are seen as possible replacements for Mr. Ishiba. Many people believe the LDP will have to change some of its positions to make more voters happy.
Whoever is chosen will face many of the same challenges as Mr. Ishiba. With a minority in both houses, the LDP will need the support of other parties to govern.
Anutin Charnvirakul Chosen As Thailand’s New Prime Minister
Anutin Charnvirakul has been chosen as Thailand’s next prime minister. This comes soon after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed as prime minister by the country’s Constitutional Court. Mr. Anutin, a 58-year-old businessman and long-time politician, leads the Bhumjaithai party.
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Anutin Charnvirakul has been chosen as Thailand’s next prime minister. On Friday, he became the country’s third prime minister in less than two years. Mr. Anutin has agreed to hold new elections within four months. Above, Mr. Anutin (center) responds to being chosen as Thailand’s next prime minister on Friday.
On Friday, he became Thailand’s third prime minister in less than two years. He was supported by the People’s party, which holds the most seats in parliament. This allowed him to win the vote easily. Mr. Anutin’s win was a big loss for Thailand’s powerful Shinawatra family and their political party, Pheu Thai.
But he may not be prime minister for long. In exchange for the support of the People’s party, Mr. Anutin agreed to hold new elections within four months. That could bring big changes to parliament.
(Front page image sources: Bayrou [CC BY-SA 4.0], Ishiba [CC BY-SA 4.0], Anutin [CC BY 2.0], all via Wikimedia Commons.)