PARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Michel Barnier invoked a special constitutional instrument Monday to push through the controversial 2025 budget without a parliamentary vote. He said it was necessary to ensure stability at a time of deep political division.
Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and left-wing France Unbowed announced they would table no-confidence motions in response, setting up a vote as early as Wednesday that could topple the fragile government.
The decision comes as France struggles with a fractured National Assembly following snap elections in June that left no party or coalition with a majority. President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier in September to break the deadlock and tackle the country’s growing budget deficit. However, his austerity budget – with 40 billion euros in cuts and 20 billion euros in tax increases – has been widely criticized, escalating tensions in the lower house.
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The use of the instrument, called Article 49.3, allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote but exposes it to votes of no confidence. Opposition leaders argue that Barnier’s concessions, which include scrapping an electricity tax increase, do not go far enough to address their concerns. Le Pen accused Barnier of ignoring her party’s demands.
“Everyone has to take responsibility,” she said.
The political impasse has roiled financial markets, with borrowing costs rising sharply on fears of long-term instability. Barnier warned of “serious turbulence” if the budget is not passed, but critics dismissed his comments as fear-mongering.
If the no-confidence vote passes, Macron will remain president but will have to appoint a new prime minister to push the legislation through the fractured assembly. The uncertainty risks exacerbating France’s economic problems and reverberating across the eurozone.
