French Prime Minister (PM) 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.

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French Prime Minister (PM) 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 plan includes €60B (US$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.

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The budget plan includes €60B (US$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.

Barnier made last-minute concessions, including scrapping planned electricity tax increases and adjusting prescription drug reimbursement policies, but failed to secure sufficient support.

Barnier made last-minute concessions, including scrapping planned electricity tax increases and adjusting prescription drug reimbursement policies, but failed to secure sufficient support.

Both the progressive New Popular Front, a coalition of four left-leaning parties, and the nationalist, anti-immigration National Rally (RN) party announced their plans to file no-confidence motions, with voting anticipated as early as Wednesday.

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Both the progressive New Popular Front, a coalition of four left-leaning parties, and the nationalist, anti-immigration National Rally (RN) party announced their plans to file no-confidence motions, with voting anticipated as early as Wednesday.

The opposition needs 289 votes to topple the government, with the left-wing coalition reportedly controlling between 180 and 192 seats and the right and its allies holding an estimated 141.

Euronews

The opposition needs 289 votes to topple the government, with the left-wing coalition reportedly controlling between 180 and 192 seats and the right and its allies holding an estimated 141.

If successful, this would mark the first no-confidence vote to replace a French government since 1962 during Charles de Gaulle's presidency.

If successful, this would mark the first no-confidence vote to replace a French government since 1962 during Charles de Gaulle's presidency.

The budget plan includes €60 billion in measures, combining €40 billion in spending cuts and €20 billion in tax increases, aimed at reducing France's public deficit from 6.1% to 5% of GDP.

Both the left-wing New Popular Front coalition and the far-right National Rally announced they would file no-confidence motions, with voting expected as early as Wednesday.

The opposition needs 289 votes to topple the government, with the left-wing coalition controlling approximately 180-192 seats and the far-right holding 141 seats.

If successful, this would mark the first no-confidence vote to topple a French government since 1962 during Charles de Gaulle's presidency.

The government's unilateral action represents a denial of democracy and disregard for the will of 11 million voters, while the proposed austerity measures would weaken citizens' purchasing power and harm vulnerable populations. The budget cuts and tax hikes would be disastrous for ordinary French people.

Macron’s government on brink of collapse after forcing budget past parliament

French PM Risks Ouster After Forcing Budget Through Parliament

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Barnier's concessions to Marine Le Pen's far-right agenda signal a broader failure of France's political system. His scrapped tax hike, restrictions on healthcare for migrants, and electoral reform proposals betray 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.

Barnier's concessions to Marine Le Pen's far-right agenda signal a broader failure of France's political system. His scrapped tax hike, restrictions on healthcare for migrants, and electoral reform proposals betray 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.

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The Threat Of A No Confidence Vote For The Barnier Government Is Coercion By Marine Le Pen_6734582_23.Htm

Macron’s government has proven its incompetence, paralyzing France with snap elections and reckless tax hikes. PM Barnier's harmful policies have left 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.

Macron’s government has proven its incompetence, paralyzing France with snap elections and reckless tax hikes. PM Barnier's harmful policies have left 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.

Why France’s spiralling deficit could bring down Macron’s government

According to the Metaculus prediction community, there is a 33.32% chance that Marine Le Pen will be elected president of France in 2027, compared to 23.85% for another candidate.

According to the Metaculus prediction community, there is a 33.32% chance that Marine Le Pen will be elected president of France in 2027, compared to 23.85% for another candidate.

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French PM Risks Ouster After Forcing Budget Through Parliament

French PM Risks Ouster After Forcing Budget Through Parliament

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