France's government collapsed Wednesday after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was forced out in a no-confidence vote in Parliament, reigniting a summertime political crisis for the country as it prepares to face a new year.

Already struggling with flat growth and a large debt and deficit, the country faces a new period of instability without a functioning government or a budget.

A political crisis in France, weeks after the German government collapse, could leave two of Europe’s most powerful players rudderless at an uncertain moment.