Left-wing Lawmakers Introduce No-Confidence Motion Against French PM Barnier, Reports Reuters

PARIS (Reuters) – France’s New Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing lawmakers, has initiated a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government. However, the motion’s progression appears unlikely unless it gains the backing of far-right lawmakers.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier as prime minister last month following a snap election that resulted in a divided parliament. While the left-wing coalition received the most votes, it did not achieve a majority, and the party with the largest individual support was the far-right National Rally.

Consequently, Barnier, representing the centre-right Republican party, heads a precarious government that faces opposition from both the left and the right. He is tasked with the challenging responsibilities of securing approval for the state budget and addressing the deficit.

"The existence of this government, in its composition and its direction, is a denial of the result of the most recent legislative elections," stated the no-confidence motion.

The left-wing coalition argues that Macron should have appointed a prime minister from their ranks and claims that the upcoming budget is expected to be "the most austere in the last 25 years."

Recently, National Rally lawmakers expressed their reluctance to support a no-confidence vote this early in Barnier’s tenure, as they do not wish to contribute to further instability in France for political advantage.

After the prime minister outlined his government’s policy agenda earlier in the week, Marine Le Pen from the National Rally indicated a desire to give Barnier a chance but outlined specific conditions. She insisted that any tax increases should be counterbalanced with enhanced spending power for lower and middle-class citizens.

Le Pen has also emphasized the need for stricter immigration controls through legislation early next year.

Representatives for the National Rally had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.