Is God Shaking Europe Too?

UPDATED 9:30am 5th December

France is in the headlines this week with its Prime Minister ousted by a vote of no-confidence on Wednesday. 331 members of opposition parties voted in support of the motion, 43 more than the number required for it to pass.

They called for the vote after he tried to force through a controversial budget by presidential decree. France has been mired in political uncertainty ever since President Macron called snap elections in June, resulting in a hung parliament.

Michel Barnier is now expected to resign, and his government is the first to fall victim to a no-confidence vote for more than 60 years. The collapse comes at a critical time when France is struggling with a huge budget deficit.

But there are wider implications. This fall of the French government gives rise to a major problem at the centre of the European Union, with Germany also in significant difficulties.

Germany’s governing coalition collapsed through problems reviving growth while adhering to domestic fiscal rules. Elections are expected in February 2025 and could produce a more stable government, but increased political divisions may hinder substantial reforms.

There have been prolonged disputes within the governing coalition over economic policies, especially budgetary issues, tax cuts, and fiscal spending. So, it seems that both France and Germany are struggling with major financial issues.

Stefan Lehne wrote in October of a wider crisis of confidence in Europe, revealed through ‘political divisions, surging radical-right parties and sinking national budgets.’ He suggested the European Union risks missing its last opportunity to preserve its global standing.

But is there more to these crises than meets the eye?

France has taken the lead in accusing Israel of breaching the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon (i.e. Hezbollah) and has just announced that it will co-chair a conference in June 2025 for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

And regarding the European Union as a whole, Josep Borrell, head of foreign policy, has been an outspoken critic of Israel and recently proposed suspending political dialogue over Israel’s alleged violations of human rights and international law in the Gaza Strip.

So, one wonders whether God’s hand is at work in Europe’s problems, in response to the community’s opposition to Israel.

Speaking of Zion, God said through the prophet Isaiah:

‘For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined.’
(Isaiah 60:12)

This report by BBC News describes the French crisis and its wider implications: