Jordan Bardella, president of the right-wing National Rally, announced on Monday that his party will vote to bring down Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government over its proposed budget, “barring a last-minute miracle.”
Speaking to French radio RTL, Bardella criticized the government’s budget as a “punishment budget” that would weaken the purchasing power of the French people. He stated that unless Barnier makes significant changes to the social security budget, the National Rally would support a motion of no confidence, adding that he had “little hope” for any shift from the prime minister.
Bardella’s comments come as France faces a critical few days, with the consequences potentially impacting Europe as a whole. On Monday afternoon, lawmakers are set to convene in the National Assembly to vote on the next year’s social security budget, with Barnier seeking to address France’s growing deficit. If Barnier attempts to bypass the vote, the opposition could force his government to collapse.
Barnier, who has been prime minister since September, initially proposed €40 billion in spending cuts and €20 billion in tax hikes but has been forced to make several compromises. With his center-right government lacking a parliamentary majority, Barnier is reliant on indirect support from the right-wing.
Despite these claims, Barnier has already made key concessions, such as reversing his stance on electricity taxes and agreeing to maintain exemptions on employer contributions. He also attempted to soften his position with the far right by promising additional measures, including restricting access to healthcare for undocumented individuals, in an interview with the conservative daily *Le Figaro*.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that if the government collapses over the budget, “there will immediately be a financial crisis.”
