French lawmakers have tabled a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, potentially leading to the toppling of his government by the far right. The motion was initiated following Barnier's attempt to pass part of his government's budget for 2025, which includes significant tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at reducing the deficit to 5% next year and aligning with European rules by the end of the decade.
Barnier, who leads a minority government supported by centrists and conservatives, tried to enact the budget using a constitutional clause to bypass a legislative vote. This move allowed lawmakers to table no-confidence motions against him, with left-wing lawmakers seizing the opportunity to challenge his government.
A pre-debate vote on the motion is scheduled for Wednesday, with potential implications for France's political landscape and financial markets. If the motion succeeds, the budget bill would be rejected, and Barnier's government would operate in a caretaker capacity until a new premier is appointed by President Emmanuel Macron.
The possibility of a government collapse has raised concerns among investors about France's fiscal discipline and political stability. With a projected budget deficit of 6.1% of GDP in 2024, exceeding European Commission limits, France faces scrutiny from financial markets, with credit ratings being compared to riskier economies like Greece.
While Barnier's budget proposal has garnered some support from markets and Brussels, it has faced opposition from Marine Le Pen and the far-right National Rally. Le Pen has threatened to join left-wing lawmakers in voting against Barnier unless he addresses their demands, some of which he has agreed to consider.
Le Pen emphasized the need for change, stating, 'The French have had enough of being mistreated. They expected improvements under Barnier, but the situation has worsened.' She set a deadline for Barnier to respond to her party's demands, underscoring the political tensions surrounding the motion of no confidence.
