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French PM Michel Barnier Resigns After No-Confidence Vote
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned on Thursday after losing a no-confidence vote in parliament, marking the end of his short tenure and sparking political and financial turmoil in France.
The no-confidence motion, supported by a majority of lawmakers including the hard left and far-right factions, was triggered by Barnier’s controversial 2025 budget plan. The plan proposed austerity measures to stabilize public finances but was widely rejected by parliament.
With Barnier’s resignation, France faces significant uncertainty. The government’s financial plan has been voided, forcing an automatic extension of the current budget unless a new administration secures approval for a revised version by Christmas. Analysts warn of a “new era of political instability,” with credit agencies raising concerns over fiscal consolidation.
President Emmanuel Macron now faces the urgent task of appointing a new premier to navigate the crisis, with speculation centered on potential successors like Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu and centrist ally François Bayrou.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have called for early presidential elections, further heightening tensions.
The political crisis coincides with ongoing strikes across public services and comes days before the high-profile reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Macron is expected to address the nation later today to outline the government’s next steps.
Lagos State Police react to claims of them taking money from dispatch riders on the Coastal Road in Lagos.
It started after a rumour was shared that police arrest and take money from riders as a demand for high bribes, sometimes reaching ₦200,000, and seize motorcycles if not given.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, then addressed the claims online and stated in his statement that he disagreed that the rumour is true and stated, “The spread of misinformation only causes more harm than good. In this era, we can and must do better.”
It has been announced by the governor of Ogun that Tuesday 3rd of February is a public holiday in order to mark the 50th anniversary of the state creation.
This public holiday declaration was released in a statement by the secretary of the state, Tokunbo Talabi.
He then added that the holiday will provide as a day for the citizens to participate in the activities for the state milestone.
Former Kogi politician, Dino Melaye, faces backlash from the public after he shared a video on social media of him abroad and living well through his luxurious lifestyle.
In the same video, he speaks about Nigeria’s current economy and shares his disappointment.
He wrote, “See country, God help us to build a true nation where our wicked leaders will be in jail and the right people in power. Nigeria must be fixed. YES WE CAN.”
However, many state that what he posted and what he is saying contradict each other, and they accused him of sharing his own records to know if he was a corrupt leader.
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