The French government is on the verge of collapse this week after both far-right and left-wing parties announced their intention to vote for a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
The move comes after Barnier attempted to push through a social security bill without a parliamentary vote, following a failed attempt to gain support from the far-right National Rally (RN). Despite a last-minute concession, RN leader Marine Le Pen criticized Barnier’s government and promised to table her own no-confidence motion, aligning with other opposition parties. She expressed that the French people were dissatisfied with Barnier’s leadership, stating, “Things got worse with Michel Barnier.”
Mathilde Panot of the left-wing France Unbowed party also condemned the government’s actions, calling it a denial of democracy and accusing Barnier’s government of political chaos.
If RN lawmakers join the left-wing opposition in voting to oust Barnier, the government could fall. The opposition now has 24 hours to file the no-confidence motion, with a vote potentially happening by Wednesday.
Barnier, who has struggled to pass the 2025 budget through a divided parliament, warned that such a vote could worsen the political crisis in France. His minority government has depended on RN support, but the contentious budget, which includes €60 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts, could break this fragile alliance.
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