As parliamentary discussions unfold, it has become increasingly evident that Michel Barnier will need to invoke a constitutional provision to pass his budget. This mechanism permits him to enact legislation without a parliamentary vote but exposes his government to potential no-confidence motions from lawmakers.
A coalition of left-leaning lawmakers has already pledged to introduce a no-confidence motion against Barnier. Should lawmakers from the far-right National Rally decide to support it, Barnier’s government could collapse, raising the specter of a Greece-style eurozone crisis. This comes at a precarious time for Europe, already grappling with an economic slowdown in Germany and the looming threat of a trade war with the United States.
“Our interest rates to finance debt with Chinese or American investors are nearing those of Greece,” Barnier warned, highlighting the precarious fiscal situation.
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally, hinted at her party’s intentions after meeting with Barnier on Monday. She stated that her lawmakers would vote to bring down the government unless the prime minister dropped plans to raise electricity taxes and postpone inflation-linked adjustments for pensions. Le Pen also lambasted the government for its reluctance to reduce spending on bureaucracy and medical aid for migrants.
Le Pen’s criticism of the government underscores a broader challenge facing Barnier: uniting a divided parliament amid growing economic uncertainty.
Marine Le Pen has also criticized the government for failing to cut spending on bureaucracy and medical aid for migrants. | Denis Charlet/Getty Images
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