France's government faces a another critical challenge as lawmakers debate a censure motion that will shed light on the Socialist Party's stance among the alliances within a fragmented French parliament.
Prime Minister François Bayrou's government will face its first test this Thursday when the National Assembly examines a motion of no confidence which, even if it is not ultimately adopted, will clarify the position of the Socialist Party in parliament.
Barely three weeks old, the government did not ask for the confidence of the assembly on Tuesday after the prime minister's general policy speech, as is customary.
Just like Michel Barnier's previous administration, Bayrou has no majority in the house.
In return, the elected members of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) – who are constantly calling for President Emmanuel Macron to resign – tabled a motion of censure.
Thursday's ballot marks the 150th vote of no confidence in government since the foundation of France's Fifth Republic in 1958.
French Socialist Party threatens no-confidence vote against Bayrou’s government
Divisions
Along with LFI, the text has also been signed by Communist and Green MPs, but no members of the Socialist Party have fallen line with the left-wing parliamentary bloc.
Despite lengthy discussions, the Socialist Party has deferred their decision on whether or not to vote on the motion of censure until Thursday, further adding to the uncertainty.
Thursday's vote will above all serve to clarify the balance of power on the left, and the position of the Socialist Party regarding the Bayrou government, in the run-up to the crucial state and social security budgets.
Bayrou has said he will back down on 4,000 job cuts in education planned by his predecessor Barnier, who was overthrown by a vote of no confidence in December. However he has shown little room for movement on contested pension reforms.
On 3 February, the National Assembly will convene to debate the draft 2025 Social Security budget.
Far-right National Rally leaders have already indicated that their MPs do not intend to vote in favour of the motion of censure, making it impossible for LFI to garner the 288 votes required for its adoption - even with the support of the Socialists.
