Paris (December 2, 2024) — The French government is on the brink of collapse after far-right and left-wing parties confirmed they will vote for a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier. This move follows Barnier’s attempt to push a social security bill through parliament without a vote, a concession that failed to garner support from the far-right National Rally (RN). RN leader Marine Le Pen announced her party would table its own no-confidence motion and support similar motions from other parties.
With both left-wing and RN lawmakers united against Barnier, the government’s fall seems almost inevitable. The opposition now has 24 hours to formally submit their no-confidence motion, and the vote could take place as soon as Wednesday. Barnier, however, has urged lawmakers to consider the country’s future over personal interests, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
It is unprecedented for a French government to face such a vote since 1962, and if the motion succeeds, it could severely destabilize France’s political landscape.
