France braces for political upheaval as the French no-confidence vote against Barnier threatens to dismantle the government. Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces mounting pressure as parliament prepares to vote on two no-confidence votes expected to begin at 4 p.m. Paris time.
The motion filed by the left-wing New Popular Front and the National Rally could force Bariner and his cabinet to resign. Critics predict one motion will garner the necessary 288 votes, as the National Rally has pledged to support the left-wing proposal.
If the motion succeeds, Branier’s government will become the shortest-lived administration in France’s Fifth Republic. President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier a centrist after snap elections last summer weakened his party’s parliamentary influence.
However, Macron’s controversial choice alienated the leftist coalition, which secured the most seats in elections. Brainer’s reliance on executive powers to push a budget bill through parliament without a final vote has further intensified the criticism.
If parliament approves the motion, Barnier will have to step down, and his government will fall into caretaker mode and can carry out regular duties. Macron will then choose a new prime minister later on, and the president can choose Barnier again, but as Barnier announced, he will refuse reappointment under any circumstances.
Until new laws are implemented, civil servants will rely on the 2024 budget under a “special measure” in the absence of an unauthorized budget. The political turmoil has already spooked investors, who are selling French stocks and bonds, increasing the nation’s borrowing costs.
In a recent television interview, Barnier warned of severe economic consequences if the government collapses without a budget. As the French no-confidence vote against Barnier unfolds, Macarons’ ability to navigate this crisis will determine his political future until the next term in 2027.
