WORLD

FRENCH PM BARNIER FACES VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE AFTER BUDGET ROW

04/12/2024 06:39 PM

PARIS, Dec 4 (Bernama-dpa) -- French lawmakers are to hold a vote of no confidence on Wednesday to decide on the future of the centre-right government led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, reported German news agency (dpa). 

From 4 pm (1500 GMT), two motions are to be debated and voted on in the National Assembly – France's lower house – submitted by the left-wing camp and the far-right nationalists around Marine Le Pen. 

If there is a majority against the government, Barnier would be forced to resign. 

Barnier's cabinet has been in office for just under three months. He was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron in September following national elections in June and July.

The snap polls further complicated the political balance of power in France. Neither the left-wing alliance, nor the right-wing nationalists, nor Macron's centrist camp have a majority in the lower house.

At first, the right-wing nationalists tolerated Barnier's government. However, a dispute over Barnier's austerity budget led to threats by Le Pen to withdraw confidence from the government if he did not make further concessions. 

Barnier then forced the first part of the budget through the National Assembly without a final vote on Monday, further angering his opponents.

-- BERNAMA-dpa

 

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