France’s minority government is facing an uncertain future as opposition lawmakers from both the left and far right are set to vote on a no-confidence motion in parliament on Wednesday. The motion, which requires a majority of 288 out of 574 lawmakers, has a strong chance of passing, marking the shortest-lived government in France’s modern history.
The government’s instability is fueled by a divisive budget debate, with President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist allies and far-right National Rally party holding key positions. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen’s party has vowed to bring down the government, accusing Prime Minister Michel Barnier of ignoring her demands.
A no-confidence motion would see Macron appoint a new prime minister, potentially leading to significant changes in the country’s economic policy. France is under pressure from the European Union to reduce its colossal debt, which is estimated to reach 6% of gross domestic product this year and could rise to 7% next year without drastic adjustments.
The potential collapse of France’s government has sent shockwaves through financial markets, with some analysts warning that it could push up French interest rates and deepen the country’s debt. Without a clear parliamentary majority, no major reform appears within the reach of a new government.
Macron is set to face several challenges in appointing a new prime minister, including finding a suitable candidate from his centrist alliance or the left-wing New Popular Front coalition. The parliament’s fractured composition will remain the same, with no new legislative elections able to be held before July due to the French Constitution.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/france-government-crisis-no-confidence-26555d5c435340bd97f422942f258a0e