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ReutersNov 24
French Prime Minister Risks Ouster After Forcing Budget Through Parliament
Above: French Prime Minister Michel Barnier Image copyright: Stephane De Sakutin/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier invoked Article 49.3 of the Constitution to force through next year's social security budget without a parliamentary vote, triggering immediate opposition backlash.
The budget includes €60B ($63B) in measures, combining €40B in spending cuts and €20B in tax increases, aimed at reducing France's public deficit from this year's 6.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) to 5% next year.
The Spin
Left narrative
Barnier's concessions to Marine Le Pen's far-right agenda signal a broader failure of France's political system and betrays a desperate attempt to placate extremists, undermining the republic's principles. As mainstream parties fail to unify, Le Pen exploits the chaos, consolidating power while eroding democratic norms.
Right narrative
Macron's government continues proving its incompetence, with Barnier's harmful policies leaving the nation with rising borrowing costs, stagnating growth, and declining consumer confidence. It's clear that only the National Rally's pragmatic, growth-focused leadership can restore fiscal stability, protect pensions, and rebuild public trust.