The French Prime Minister is at risk of not receiving a vote of confidence after being forced to pass the budget

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has used special powers to pass the social security budget bill without a vote from MPs, in a move expected to trigger a vote of no confidence. to his minority government.

The government is unlikely to survive the vote, which the radical opposition party France Unyielding (LFI) said it would trigger this afternoon. It could happen as early as Wednesday.

Marine le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) said it would support the vote.

Despite the last-minute concessions, Barnier clearly did not think he would be able to exceed the budget limit.

The New People’s Front, a coalition of several left-wing parties, came out on top against Macron supporters and the far right after early elections in July.

The union was angered by Macron’s decision to move to the center right by choosing Barnier as his new prime ministerand promised to vote against the government.

This means that until now Barnier has had to rely on the RN to survive his government.

The budget bill sought to rein in France’s growing deficit through tax increases and spending cuts of 60 billion euros.

Barnier has made concessions to critics, including scrapping an earlier plan to increase electricity tariffs, as well as plans for a less generous prescription drug reimbursement policy from next year.

He used article 49.3 of the French constitution, which allows the text of the bill to be passed without a vote, to push through his 2025 budget after the RN joined the left in opposing it.

“I don’t think the French people will forgive us for choosing partisan interests over the future of the country,” Mr. Barnier told lawmakers on Tuesday as he explained the reasons for his decision. . “Now, everyone will need to accept their responsibilities as I have.”

Marine le Pen explains RN’s perspective.

“Barnier didn’t listen to the 11 million voters of the RN… He said people should take responsibility for themselves and that’s what we’re going to do,” she said.

Barnier was invited by President Emmanuel Macron to form a government in September.

If Barnier fails to survive Wednesday’s vote, he will serve as interim prime minister until Macron announces a new government.

It could be a new majority government – unlikely given the divided French parliament – or a technocratic government, to steer the country until new elections can be held next summer.

Some parties are also calling for new presidential elections. As it stands, Mr. Macron will stay in office until 2027.