Whichever government comes in next will face enormous pressure to reduce the government’s deficit, which has greatly increased since the pandemic. The country also faces other economic challenges, including falling consumer confidence and slower growth.

President Emmanuel Macron is to address the nation on Thursday after French lawmakers brought the government down.

National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet announced on Dec. 4 a no-confidence vote against the French government with no obvious alternative in the wings.