The Parliament of France consummated this Wednesday the motion of censure against the Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, marking the end of a government that lasted just three months. A total of 331 deputies voted in favor of the motion presented by the leftist NFP alliance, with a majority of 288 being necessary to overthrow the government.
The motion, presented by the New Popular Front (NFP) and supported by Marine Le Pen’s National Rally (RN), has highlighted the deep differences in the National Assembly, where no party has a sufficient majority to govern with stability.
The vote, which closed at 8:20 pm local time, reflected discontent with Barnier’s government, mainly due to the lack of consensus on the budgets presented. From the beginning of the debate, the left and the extreme right were united in their criticism of the prime minister, accusing him of ignoring the opposition in the negotiations and of proposing a budget that harms the working and middle class.
Final speeches before the vote
Michel Barnier concluded his speech prior to the vote with a solemn speech, acknowledging errors, but defending the decisions made: “We have reached a moment of truth and responsibility. I know that the budget project was not perfect, but no government can ignore the financial reality of France. Serving the French has been an honor that I have assumed with dignity.”
However, these words failed to calm the spirits of the opposition deputies. Eric Coquerel, of the NFP, described Barnier’s government as an “insult” to voters, while Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, has denounced the alleged “sectarianism” and “dogmatism” of the Executive, pointing out that the budget reflected a “punishment of the middle class.”
Barnier’s fall generates a new period of uncertainty in France. President Emmanuel Macron must now appoint a new prime minister or call early elections, in a context where political forces remain deeply fragmented.
The leader of the opposition in the Assembly, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, has warned that this is an opportunity to “refound French politics”, while Le Pen has celebrated the fall of the government as “the end of a technocratic era”.
France is now entering unknown territory, with an Assembly that is becoming increasingly ungovernable.
