French lawmakers have introduced a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, setting up a vote that could bring down his government in days. The motion was triggered by Barnier’s attempt to pass part of his 2025 budget, which includes tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at reducing the deficit.
The budget is unpopular with lawmakers on both sides, with Marine Le Pen’s far-right party supporting the no-confidence vote due to their demands not being met. If the motion passes, it would lead to a government collapse, resulting in Barnier stepping down as premier and Macron naming a new leader.
A failure of the vote could also impact financial markets, which are concerned about France’s budget deficit and fiscal discipline. The crisis is further complicated by Le Pen’s threat to join lawmakers on the left if Barnier concedes to some of their demands, leaving uncertainty over what will happen next.
The motion was introduced after a pre-debate vote is expected on Wednesday, with many considering it a power grab by an illegitimate government. If successful, it would mark a significant shift in French politics and have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and international relations.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/12/02/europe/french-no-confidence-vote-barnier-intl/index.html