After being appointed prime minister in early September, Michel Barnier emphasized that his primary focus was to reduce France’s budget deficit and stabilize the nation’s finances. To achieve this, he introduced a budget plan that included €60 billion in tax increases and spending reductions.
To push through key elements of the budget, Barnier invoked a constitutional mechanism that allows the government to enact legislation without a parliamentary vote, though this move enables lawmakers to file no-confidence motions in retaliation.
If the government were to collapse, France would need to rely on emergency stopgap measures in 2025 until a new budget is negotiated and passed. “If the no-confidence motion passes, everything will become more challenging and far more serious,” Barnier warned.
Lawmakers Debate Barnier’s Fate
Debate is underway among lawmakers over the controversial budgetary measure, with the potential to bring down Barnier’s government looming large. Efforts by the embattled prime minister to secure support from far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen and her allies—by making a series of concessions—appear to have failed to gain traction.
Macron Defends Barnier Amid Political Headwinds
Meanwhile, French media reported that President Emmanuel Macron remains unconvinced the government will fall, dismissing growing calls from across the political spectrum for Barnier’s resignation. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Macron openly criticized the National Rally, describing their stance as “unbearably cynical,” while chastising the Socialists—part of the centrist New Popular Front—for “losing their direction” by aligning with opposition efforts to bring down Barnier’s government.
As the political showdown intensifies, France faces growing uncertainty over its budgetary and political stability.
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