The French government is teetering on the edge of collapse following a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, spearheaded by far-right and left-wing parties.
Barnier invoked special powers to push a social security budget through the lower house of parliament without a final vote, an action that has sparked backlash. Despite a last-minute concession aimed at winning support from the far-right National Rally (RN), it was insufficient to sway their backing. RN leader Marine Le Pen announced her party would draft their own no-confidence motion, while also pledging to support similar initiatives from other political factions.
“The French have had enough,” Le Pen stated. “Perhaps they hoped things would improve with Michel Barnier, but they have only gotten worse.”
Mathilde Panot, from the far-left France Unbowed party, echoed these frustrations: “In light of yet another denial of democracy, we will censure the government… We are enduring political chaos due to Michel Barnier’s administration and Emmanuel Macron’s presidency.”
If all RN members join forces with the left to oust Barnier, his government will fall. Barnier’s opponents now have a 24-hour window to officially submit their no-confidence motion, with a vote potentially occurring as early as Wednesday.
The last time a French government was ousted through such a vote was in 1962.
Barnier has faced challenges in passing the 2025 budget through France’s parliament, which aims to address the country’s rising public deficit through €60 billion (£50 billion) in tax hikes and spending reductions. He has urged lawmakers to reconsider their positions on the no-confidence vote, asserting: “We are at a moment of truth. The French will not forgive us for prioritizing individual interests over the country’s future.”
Since forming a minority government in September, Barnier has relied on support from the RN to remain in power. This financial crisis could lead to the RN successfully toppling Barnier’s government.
Credit: Sky News
