Macro today addresses the nation after the fall of the Barnier Government

Names for a new prime minister were being rumoured before Barnier resigned Thursday morning, including Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Interior Minister Bruno Retaillau and the former presidential candidate of the Francisco Bayrou Centre.

But finding a name that would not immediately be dropped by one of the major parliamentary factions could take some time, as happened in the summer, when former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal remained a caretaker for two months, the BBC writes.

Barnier is likely to be asked to stay in the interim post.

Barnier's government fell after MPs voted overwhelmingly in support of the motion against him, just three months after he was appointed by Macro.

Wednesday evening's vote was the first time a French government was voted by parliament in more than 60 years.

Marine Le Pen's extreme right and the New Left-wing Popular Front joined to censor the Barnier government after the former Brex negotiator used special powers to force his budget without a vote.

In all, 331 voted in favour of the motion, much more than 288 required for its approval.

Barnier is now obliged to submit his government's resignation, while the budget that caused his fall withdrew automatically.

As president, Macro is unbroken constitutional by Barney's resignation.

But many opposition politicians are increasingly open about the desire to force him to resign and call early presidential elections something that Macro has insisted is out of the question.