France's Macron to appoint new prime minister 'in coming days' as he vows to finish term

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he will appoint a new prime minister "in the coming days" and vowed to finish his term following the government's collapse.

Macron reiterated that he still has 30 months as president amid calls for his resignation following a no-confidence vote against the government in the lower house of parliament.

"The mandate that you have democratically entrusted to me is a five-year mandate, and I will exercise it fully until its end," the president said, adding that he is responsible for the functioning of the institutions and country.

Macron also hit out at the political parties that voted to topple the government in a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, rejecting claims that he was responsible for what's quickly become a political crisis.

"I know that some people are tempted to hold me responsible for this situation... but I will never take responsibility (for the actions) of others, and in particular of the lawmakers who consciously chose to bring down the budget and the government of France a few days before Christmas," Macron said, adding that MPs on the far right and left chose to create "disorder".

French president defends earlier decision to hold snap elections

The French president defended his call for snap elections in June and July this year after the European elections, calling the decision "inevitable" after the far-right National Rally topped the poll.

Macron added this decision was "not understood" and that he was aware many have criticised him for it, but he said the action gave the people "back their voice," which he saw as necessary.

The leftist coalition the New Popular Front (NFP) came first in the second round of those legislative elections, but without an absolute majority.

Left-wing lawmakers had called on Macron to appoint their pick for prime minister, civil servant Lucie Castets, but he instead appointed former EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier a mere three months ago.

"No party, no coalition presented to the voters can claim to have the majority," Macron said on Thursday.

"This situation requires a new political organisation. It is unprecedented, but that is how it is," he added.

What next?

Macron said that he will take responsibility for forming a government that represents the political forces, adding that the new prime minister "will form a streamlined government at your service".

A temporary law will be tabled in mid-December to allow for the continuity of public services, the president said, adding that he hoped a majority would pass it.

A new budget will then be the priority of the next government and prepared at the beginning of next year, he said.