France: Barnier Government on the Brink of Collapse
Michel Barnier's government faces collapse as a censure motion is tabled in the National Assembly, prompted by budget disagreements. If passed, this would mark a historic government downfall, the first since 1962. Opposition leaders Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon unite against Barnier, exacerbating France's political instability and financial risks.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
The fragile government of Michel Barnier is on the verge of collapse, with the Prime Minister facing a motion of censure in the National Assembly on Wednesday. The government's adoption of the budget for the Security system has been met with opposition from both the left and the far-right, with the RN and La France Insoumise announcing that they will vote together to bring down the government.
A Historic Moment
If the motion of censure is adopted, it will be the first time since 1962 that a government has been brought down in this way. The Barnier government will become the shortest-lived in the history of the Fifth Republic.
A Moment of Truth
"We have reached a moment of truth that puts each of us in front of our responsibilities," said Michel Barnier in a speech to the National Assembly. "It is now up to you to decide whether our country adopts responsible, indispensable, and useful financial texts for our citizens. Or whether we enter unknown territory."
The 49.3 Article
The Prime Minister invoked the famous article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows the adoption of a text without a vote, but also exposes the government to the risk of a motion of censure.
The Opposition's Response
The leader of La France Insoumise, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, denounced the government's concessions to the RN and confirmed that the group would vote in favor of the motion of censure.
Marine Le Pen's Demands
Marine Le Pen, the leader of the RN, demanded that the government renounce its plan to partially index pensions to inflation, a key demand of the far-right party.
The Government's Response
The Prime Minister refused to make any further concessions, saying that he had gone as far as he could in negotiations with the opposition.
The Consequences of a Collapse
If the government falls, France will be plunged into a deeper political crisis, with the risk of a financial crisis linked to the country's ability to borrow on the markets at low interest rates.
Table: Key Players
Name
Position
Michel Barnier
Prime Minister
Emmanuel Macron
President
Marine Le Pen
Leader of the RN
Jean-Luc Mélenchon
Leader of La France Insoumise
Gabriel Attal
Former Prime Minister
List: Key Events
- June: Dissolution of the National Assembly by Emmanuel Macron
- September: Michel Barnier appointed Prime Minister
- November: Government presents budget for the Security system
- December: Motion of censure tabled by La France Insoumise and RN
- Wednesday: Vote on the motion of censure
The spread between French and German bond yields has increased significantly since the announcement of the motion of censure, reflecting the concerns of investors about the stability of the French government.
