French Prime Minister Michel Barnier invoked Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push through next year’s social security budget. This move bypassed a parliamentary vote, sparking strong reactions from opposition parties on both the left and far right.
Barnier lacks a majority in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, making the measure politically risky. In response, France Unbowed (LFI) and the National Rally (RN) announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against his government.
“The French are fed up with being mistreated,” said Marine Le Pen of the National Rally. She emphasized the need for action to address public frustration.
The no-confidence vote could take place as early as Wednesday.
Potential Outcomes of the No-Confidence Vote
The motion’s success would require 289 votes in the National Assembly. LFI holds 71 seats, while RN and its allies control 141. Together, they are close to the threshold.
Left-leaning parties from LFI’s coalition, the New Popular Union (NUPES), may also back the motion. If successful, it would topple Barnier’s government, marking the first such event since 1962, under Charles de Gaulle’s presidency.
If the motion fails, the social security bill will automatically pass and return to the Senate. Barnier’s move underscores his precarious political position as he navigates opposition on all sides.