French parliamentarians said they presented a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Michel Barnier this Monday (2), preparing a vote that could see the far right overthrow his government in a few days.
The motion was presented after Barnier tried to approve part of his government’s Budget for 2025, which includes 60 billion euros (R$381.6 billion, at current prices) in tax increases.
He also proposed spending cuts, with the aim of reducing the deficit to 5% next year and bringing it back into line with European rules by the end of the decade.
Barnier, who was chosen as leader of a minority government supported by centrists and conservatives in September, tried to enact the Budget using a constitutional clause that allows him to bypass a vote in the legislature.
However, this maneuver, in turn, gives lawmakers the opportunity to present votes of no confidence against him — and left-wing parliamentarians, who have repeatedly promised to overthrow Barnier’s government, have done just that.
A pre-debate vote is expected for this Wednesday (4).
“This is yet another power grab by an illegitimate government,” wrote Mathilde Panot, a left-wing parliamentarian who opposed Barnier’s government, on social media.
She also issued a warning to French President Emmanuel Macron, writing: “We have tabled a vote of no confidence. Barnier’s downfall is a foregone conclusion. Macron will be next.”
Possible political chaos
If the measure against the prime minister is approved, it would throw France into political chaos. In the short term, the budget bill would be rejected, and Barnier and his ministers would serve as caretakers until Macron named a new prime minister.
A government collapse would also spook financial markets, worried about whether Europe’s second-largest economy has both the fiscal discipline and political will to get its finances in order.
France’s budget deficit is forecast to reach 6.1% of GDP in 2024, more than double the amount allowed by the European Commission.
Concerned investors once considered French credit almost as risky as Greece’s.
Le Pen says she supports vote of no confidence
While Barnier’s move temporarily appeased markets and the European Union, it drew the ire of Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party.
She has promised to join left-wing parliamentarians and oust Barnier unless he gives in to several of their demands, of which he has only agreed to some.
“We will support this vote of no confidence, because the French are tired of being mistreated. They thought things would change with Barnier, but it’s worse,” Le Pen told reporters this Monday.
Last week, Le Pen gave Barnier until this Monday to respond to her party’s demands.
This content was originally published in French parliamentarians propose vote that could overthrow government on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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