France’s New Popular Front submitted a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government, but it will only succeed if it secures enough support.
The resolution, to be considered Tuesday and signed by 192 New Popular Front lawmakers, says the government’s composition and policies do not reflect the results of recent legislative elections. The motion read: “The existence of this government, in its composition and its direction, is a denial of the result of the most recent legislative elections.”
However, National Rally lawmakers have made it clear in recent days that they will not support a vote of no confidence so early in the term of the Barnier government. They refuse to be seen as plunging France into even deeper turmoil for political gain.
President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier as prime minister last month after snap elections led to a fractious parliament. Although the left-wing coalition won a majority of votes, it fell short of an absolute majority. Barnier’s premiership remains shaky as his centrist coalition does not have enough seats in the National Assembly to fend off a concerted opposition attempt to topple his government.
On 10 October, Barnier is preparing to present the 2025 budget to the cabinet and parliament for discussion. The proposal would include some €60 billion in spending cuts and tax hikes to reduce the growing deficit and try to boost investor confidence in the country.
