France on the brink: President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
Not since 1962 has a French government been ousted by a no-confidence vote. But today at 2pm ET, that’s exactly what’s widely expected to happen.
The vote, uniting left and right opposition parties, will bring a premature end to the government of Michel Barnier and turn him into the shortest-serving PM in French history.
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron is on a presidential visit to Saudi Arabia, where he said he does not intend to resign if the cabinet falls.
In Europe, today, trying to pass a budget with some measure of fiscal responsibility has never been this politically perilous.
ABC News reported:
“France’s far-right and left-wing forces are expected to join together Wednesday to oust Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government in a historic no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes. If the motion succeeds, it would mark the first time a French government has been toppled this way in more than 60 years.
President Emmanuel Macron insisted he will serve the rest of his term until 2027 despite growing opposition calls for his departure amid the turmoil. However, Macron will need to appoint a new prime minister for the second time this year, further reshaping France’s political balance after his party’s losses in July’s legislative elections.”
Macron insisted that discussions about his removal or resigning from office were ‘make-believe politics’.
“’I’m here because I’ve been elected twice by the French people’, Macron said. He was also reported as saying: ‘We must not scare people with such things. We have a strong economy’, Macron said.”
The no-confidence motion rose from harsh political struggling against Barnier’s proposed budget, and the fact that the PM activated the infamous Article 49.3 of France’s Constitution, which allowed him to push through a piece of legislation — a social security spending bill – without a vote.
In the National Assembly, no party holds a majority.
Macron’s centrist allies have a minority government, opposed by the left-wing coalition New Popular Front, and the rightwing National Rally (RN).
Left and Right are uniting against Barnier, accusing him of ‘imposing austerity measures’ and failing to address citizens’ needs.
“On Tuesday morning, National Rally leader Jordan Bardella — whose party’s goodwill was crucial to keeping Barnier in power — confirmed support for the motion, calling the budget ‘flawed and harmful’ to the French people. Left-wing leaders have echoed similar criticisms, demanding more robust social spending.”
The no-confidence motion needs at least 288 of 574 votes to pass, and the left and the right together have over 330.
If Barnier’s cabinet falls, Macron must appoint a new prime minister.
“France is under pressure from the European Union to reduce its colossal debt. The country’s deficit is estimated to reach 6% of gross domestic product this year and analysts say it could rise to 7% next year without drastic adjustments. The political instability could push up French interest rates, digging the debt even further.”
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The post Today, a No-Confidence Vote Will Topple the French Government for the First Time Since 1962 – Michel Barnier Becomes the Shortest-Serving Prime Minister – Macron Will Not Resign appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.