EDITORIAL | Don't Let Political Turmoil Weaken Democratic Leaders

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Prime Minister Michel Barnier and the rest of the French Cabinet have resigned. That followed a shock vote of no confidence in the National Assembly that caused Barnier to quit. Elsewhere in Europe, political turmoil in early November brought the collapse of Germany's coalition government led by Olaf Scholz.

Western countries that share the values ​​of freedom and democracy are facing significant challenges from authoritarian forces. Meanwhile, the solidarity of the European Union (EU) is being put to the test more than ever. It is extremely worrying that France and Germany, the EU's leading countries, are both currently mired in political turmoil.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to implement high tariffs as well as to seek an early ceasefire in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. His stance has raised concerns about conflict between Washington and European countries. President Emmanuel Macron must swiftly select a successor prime minister and resolve the current chaos in France.

Shortest Postwar Cabinet Under 'Fifth Republic'

The Barnier Cabinet lasted less than three months. Macron dissolved the National Assembly, the lower house of the bicameral French parliament, in June, and called a general election. However, with his ruling coalition having fallen short of garnering even one-third of the seats in the lower house, Macron appointed center-right opposition leader Barnier as prime minister. Barnier then tried but failed to reach an agreement on how to reduce the fiscal deficit. 

He then tried to force a vote in the National Assembly on the 2025 social security budget. That, in turn, led to the passage of a vote of no confidence by the far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen in league with the largest left-wing coalition.

This was the first vote of no confidence in France since the resignation of the George Pompidou Cabinet in 1962. To put it in perspective, that was when Charles De Gaulle was president. Moreover, the Barnier government was the shortest-lived since the advent of the current "Fifth Republic" in 1958. It was emblematic of the drastic decline in Macron's political sway. The pressure on him to resign will inevitably grow. 

More Problems in Germany

In Germany, as well, the Scholz coalition government collapsed in November amid a dispute over the 2025 budget. Support for the Scholz government had fallen to the 10 percent range. A general election is likely to be held as soon as February 2025, and a change of government seems inevitable.

Additionally, the political turmoil in France and Germany comes amidst increasing uncertainty about the global situation. China, Russia, North Korea, and other authoritarian nations are colluding. Trump has also been cool towards Europe. Furthermore, he is calling for an early ceasefire in Ukraine. Therefore, EU unity is crucial to defending Ukrainian territorial integrity and guaranteeing its security in negotiations. Instability in European politics is certain to lessen pressure on Russia. 

Turmoil Not Confined to Europe

Meanwhile, in South Korea, there is continuing confusion surrounding President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of "emergency martial law." This is further destabilizing the situation on the Korean Peninsula. 

In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also heads a minority government with a fragile base of popular support. 

Weakening the unifying power of leaders in democratic countries cannot be allowed. It results in the continuing division of domestic affairs in those countries and their regions. Wouldn't that be simply playing into the hands of the "axis of evil"?

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Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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