New French Prime Minister passes first "test"

New French Prime Minister Michel Barnier survived a no-confidence vote on October 8, seen as the first "test" for his government amid fragile support in a fragmented parliament.

The no-confidence vote – initiated by the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) coalition to oust Mr Barnier’s newly formed government – ​​failed after the far-right National Rally (NR) refused to support the move.

The motion of no confidence received only 197 votes in favor, far short of the 289 votes needed to be approved by a majority of the 577 members of the French National Assembly (Lower House).

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier speaks before a vote of no confidence at the French National Assembly in Paris, October 8, 2024. Photo: Getty Images

Despite winning the most seats in France's early legislative elections in June and July, the NFP was not given the chance to form a minority government by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Instead, in September, the head of the Elysee Palace appointed Mr Barnier as prime minister. Mr Barnier criticised the left for refusing to give him a chance, and declared that his “relative majority” was “the least relative” possible, given the fragmentation of political forces.

“You told me – before I even opened my mouth, before I formed a government, before I presented a general policy plan – that you were going to vote against me,” the 73-year-old politician lamented.

The no-confidence motion put forward by the left-wing opposition on October 8 has no chance of toppling Mr Barnier's government, but shows the influence of the far-right in the French parliament.

The NR party of far-right politician Marine Le Pen is the largest individual party group in the French National Assembly, and therefore has the potential to topple the government if it decides to support further no-confidence votes proposed by the left.

In a recent interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Mr Barnier admitted that his government was fragile. "I know that my political life is in the hands of the lawmakers. If the left and the far-right NR join forces, I will resign," he said.

After the first "test" in parliament, the next difficult challenge for Prime Minister Barnier is now to present a credible budget proposal to reassure investors.

His first budget proposal, due to be unveiled on October 10, will include around 60 billion euros ($65.8 billion) in spending cuts and tax increases to rein in a growing deficit and try to shore up investor confidence in one of Europe's largest economies.

Minh Duc (According to France24, Bloomberg, Euronews)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/tan-thu-tuong-phap-vuot-qua-phep-thu-dau-tien-204241009132024202.htm