French far-right leader Marine Le Pen warned on Monday, November 25, that her party, Rassemblement National (RN), is ready to back a no-confidence motion that could unseat Prime Minister Michel Barnier&rsquo;s minority government amid escalating tensions over the budget.
Months of political strain since Barnier's appointment by President Emmanuel Macron following this summer&rsquo;s elections have reached a boiling point over the budget, which remains unapproved by parliament. Opposition parties across the spectrum have criticized the proposed budget, raising the possibility of a political crisis.
Facing growing dissent, Barnier is reportedly considering invoking Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, which permits the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote. However, such a move could provoke an unlikely alliance between Le Pen&rsquo;s RN and the left-wing bloc, triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple his administration.
After a meeting with Barnier at the Matignon residence, Le Pen described the prime minister as &ldquo;courteous but entrenched.&rdquo; She confirmed RN&rsquo;s willingness to support a no-confidence motion, saying, &ldquo;Of course.&rdquo;
Le Pen dismissed fears of chaos if the budget is rejected, asserting, &ldquo;I do not believe in this notion that a rejected budget or a no-confidence motion will lead to chaos.&rdquo;
Barnier is also holding talks with other party leaders, including Mathilde Panot of the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI), in an effort to navigate the political deadlock.
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France Far Right Leader Marine Le Pen, President Emmanuel Macron, and Prime Minister Michel Barnier

Far-right leader says PM Barnier is 'entrenched,' opposition mulls drastic measures

Le Pen Threatens No-Confidence Vote Over Budget Standoff

Far-right leader says PM Barnier is 'entrenched,' opposition mulls drastic measures

November 26, 2024 | 16:59 IST