The government had been banking on the Socialists, the centrist group within the left-wing coalition, to break away from their partners in a bid to ensure stability and, as Michel Barnier put it, to “avoid a serious storm and significant turbulence in the financial markets.”
Ahead of a critical meeting, Barnier’s spokesperson, Maud Bregeon, emphasized the weight of responsibility on the Socialists. “The National Rally alone does not determine the final outcome,” Bregeon stressed during a press conference.
However, Socialist senator Patrick Kanner fired back, stating, “Mr. Barnier is under the influence of the far right. If he doesn’t want to fall victim to a vote of no confidence, he should be negotiating with them first. We are the opposition.”
Barnier, in turn, did meet with far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Monday, though he remained firm in his position, as per statements from Le Pen herself. The long-established far-right figure issued a public warning, threatening to bring down Barnier’s government—appointed a mere two months prior—unless her party’s demands were addressed.
On Wednesday, Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a prominent figure in the National Rally, attempted to downplay the financial risks of a potential government collapse. Tanguy accused Barnier of “crying wolf” and argued there was “no reason” to rule out discussions with the government. Later, Marine Le Pen criticized the proposed budget, calling it “bad, unfair, and brutal.”
The political turbulence has not gone unnoticed by the French public. An Ipsos poll released on Sunday revealed that 53 percent of respondents supported a motion of no confidence against the government, including two-thirds of National Rally supporters and a striking 73 percent of Socialists.
The stakes remain high for Barnier’s government as it faces mounting opposition from both sides of the political spectrum, with instability now looming over the country’s political and financial landscape.
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