France: Government faces likely collapse in no-confidence vote Set for December 4

French lawmakers are poised to decide the fate of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government during a no-confidence vote scheduled for December 4 at 4 p.m., a move that could topple the administration. 

This critical vote follows a contentious decision by Barnier to bypass parliamentary approval to force through a social security financial bill using a constitutional manoeuvre, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Multiple motions of no-confidence were filed on December 2, prompting a heated debate in the National Assembly. The left-wing New Popular Front coalition and the far-right National Front, which together hold a majority in parliament, have both declared their intention to vote against the government, making Barnier’s ousting almost certain.

If Barnier loses the vote, as expected, he will make history as the shortest-serving prime minister in modern France. Appointed by President Emmanuel Macron in September, Barnier was tasked with navigating a reduced budget through parliament — a mission that has proven nearly impossible without a governing majority.

The potential collapse of Barnier’s government threatens to deepen France’s political turmoil and exacerbate fears within the European Union about the country’s governance and fiscal challenges. France is already grappling with a spiralling budget deficit, and this latest development has sparked concerns over its stability.

Ahead of the vote, Barnier is scheduled to appear on French television on December 3 evening to make a final plea to lawmakers, urging them to avoid ousting the government. However, with opposition forces firmly aligned, his chances of swaying the outcome appear slim.

Should Barnier’s government fall, it would mark the first time since 1962 that a French administration has been defeated by a no-confidence vote — a significant blow to both Macron’s leadership and the country’s political stability.

The outcome of Wednesday's vote is set to reverberate across France and the European Union, shaping the trajectory of Macron’s presidency and France’s role within Europe amidst a backdrop of mounting domestic and international challenges.

By Tamilla Hasanova