🚨 Political Drama Unfolds in France! 🇫🇷 The French government is teetering on the edge as far-right and left-wing parties unite to submit no-confidence motions against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
\"The French have had enough,\" declared Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), to reporters in parliament. She criticized Barnier, who stepped into the prime minister's role just last month, for worsening the nation's woes. \"We are proposing a motion of no confidence against the government,\" she announced.
Unless there's a last-minute twist, Barnier's fragile coalition is set to become the first French government ousted by a no-confidence vote since 1962. 😱
A governmental collapse could leave a significant void at the heart of Europe. With Germany also gearing up for elections, and just weeks before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to re-enter the White House, the timing couldn't be more critical.
The RN and left-wing lawmakers have enough votes combined to topple Barnier. Le Pen confirmed her party's intention to support the left-wing coalition's no-confidence bill, in addition to filing their own. The decisive vote is expected on Wednesday.
The motions were announced after Barnier attempted to push a controversial social security bill through parliament without a vote. A last-ditch concession failed to secure RN's support for the legislation.
\"Faced with this umpteenth denial of democracy, we will censure the government,\" declared Mathilde Panot of the left-wing France Unbowed. \"We are living in political chaos because of Michel Barnier's government and Emmanuel Macron's presidency.\"
Barnier urged lawmakers to reject the no-confidence motion. \"We are at a moment of truth. The French will not forgive us for putting the interests of individuals before the future of the country,\" he stated, placing his government's fate in the hands of a divided parliament—a result of the inconclusive snap election called by President Macron in June.
Barnier's minority government had relied on support from the RN for its survival. The contentious budget bill, aiming to tackle France's spiraling public deficit with €60 billion ($63 billion) in tax hikes and spending cuts, broke that fragile alliance.
Both Barnier's team and Le Pen's camp blamed each other, insisting they had been open to dialogue. A source close to Barnier mentioned that he had made significant concessions to Le Pen, questioning, \"Is she ready to sacrifice all the wins she got?\"
If the no-confidence vote passes, Barnier would have to resign. However, President Macron might ask him to stay on in a caretaker capacity while a new prime minister is sought—a process that could stretch into next year.
One possibility is for Macron to appoint a technocratic government with no political agenda, hoping it could survive a no-confidence vote. However, no new snap parliamentary elections can be held before July.
Regarding the budget, if it's not passed by December 20, the caretaker government might invoke constitutional powers to pass it by ordinance. This move is risky and could trigger legal challenges and political uproar.
More likely, the caretaker government could propose emergency legislation to extend current spending limits and tax provisions. However, this would mean that Barnier's planned savings measures would not be implemented.
France is on the cusp of significant political upheaval that could reshape its future and impact the European political landscape. Stay tuned for updates as this dramatic situation unfolds! 📺🍿
Reference(s):
French government faces collapse as no-confidence motions submitted
cgtn.com
