Governments in Crisis, China War Simulation, and Antisemitism in Australia

Tipping Point Quick Hits (12.05.24)

Governments are Being Shaken

If you’ve been paying attention to world news this week, you’re seeing the status quo being disrupted around the world.

The government of France is on the brink of collapse. Due to a massive budget that includes tax hikes and spending cuts, far-right leaders have been working with a left-wing coalition to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s Cabinet. Yesterday’s no-confidence vote passed and Barnier is set to resign today, making his Cabinet “the shortest-lived government in France’s modern history, marking an unprecedented period of political instability,” according to the Associated Press.

It leaves President Emmanuel Macron in charge of appointing a new prime minister. (The French political system has both a president and prime minister. The president represents France on the world stage and is directly elected by the French people. The prime minister oversees the administration of the government and, while chosen by the president, must have the support of the National Assembly.)

The desperation in France could impact the entire continent. “Europe once again stands at the edge of the precipice,” The Telegraph said this week.