The French government is on the verge of collapse, with Prime Minister tomorrow after he used special constitutional powers to push through his austerity budget.
Both the far-right National Rally (RN) and an alliance of leftwing parties – comprising the Socialists, Greens, far left and Communist party – have said they will vote for a no-confidence motion against Mr Barnier, which was lodged yesterday afternoon. That will force the resignation of Mr Barnier after just two and a half months in post.
No French government has been forced out by such a vote since 1962.
Their move comes after Mr Barnier rammed the social security bill through parliament using article 49.3 of the French constitution, which allows the text of a bill to be passed without a vote. A last-minute concession was not enough to win support for the bill from RN.
The party’s leader, Marine Le Pen, said her party would table its own no-confidence motion but would also vote for any similar bill put forward by other parties. “The French have had enough,” she said. “Maybe they thought with Michel Barnier things would get better, but they were even worse.”
This story is from the December 03, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 03, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How a 'tone deaf' decision plunged the RFU into crisis
Anger over the payment of a large bonus at a time of financial strife has imperiled the governing body’s chief executive
Young Lionesses dominate with win over Switzerland
Grace Clinton’s early finish proved the winner as England concluded 2024 with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in a friendly at Bramall Lane.
The Arsenal model United must follow under Amorim
In preparing for Arsenal's fixture against Manchester United, Mikel Arteta faces a problem. He must try to anticipate what Ruben Amorim might do, which is difficult when the United squad are still in the early stages of adapting to the manager’s approach.
Why Shein is no worse than some firms listed in London
The fashion retailer has been attacked for using forced labour and tax dodging. But, says James Moore, the LSE is full of firms despoiling the planet. Where do we draw the line?
Journalists set to strike over proposed sale of Observer
Journalists at two national newspapers are launching a 48-hour strike today in protest at the planned sale of one of the titles. Members of the National Union of Journalists NUJ) at The Guardian and The Observer are walking out for the first time in more than 50 years.
'The people brought it back'
Gala's Eurodance classic 'Freed From Desire' is everywhere, from football matches to protests. She tells Kevin EG Perry about the song's meaning and her fight to reclaim her work
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Mocked for her weight, talent and 'poshness', a decade of fame for Keira Knightley has been trial by media. As 'Black Doves' hits TV, Katie Rosseinsky says enough is enough
Labour says the railways can only get better. We shall see
A week is a long time in the Department for Transport (DfT).
JINGLE BELL FROCK
It might be December but that doesn't mean your outfit has to compete with the Christmas tree. Olivia Petter is here to help you ace office party season dressing - minus the sequins
Boys will be boys - what matters is how we react
We call them 'bros' and criticise their behaviour. But is it that simple? Steve Biddulph, an expert on raising boys, thinks it is something deeper and tells Lorraine Candy that we need to look at our own behaviour before criticising theirs
