By filing a so-called ‘motion to vacate’, Gaetz has now ensured that a vote will have to be taken on a possible impeachment of McCarthy. According to American media, this should normally take place within 48 hours, although the vote can still be delayed in various ways.
The radical faction of the Republican Party, to which Gaetz belongs, does not agree with the emergency budget that the House and Senate approved on Saturday with the support of the Democrats.
The Republicans have a very narrow majority in the House, which means that some radical representatives can assert their will. At the beginning of this year, no fewer than 15 rounds of voting were needed before McCarthy had secured sufficient support. Even then, Gaetz was one of the rebels who increased the pressure on McCarthy. It can hardly be called a surprise that he now wants to push the chairman aside.
McCarthy himself also indicated on Saturday that he realized he was putting his office at risk.