While the National Front allies with the Left to overthrow the government, it is legitimate to ask: how would these parties manage to choose a President of the Republic while pretending not to be united? But then again, the political class has already shown us that it is not new to contradictions!

Michel Barnier triggers Article 49.3 to pass the Social Security budget

A risky decision that could lead to the government’s downfall

Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister, has decided to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS). Announced in the Assembly on Monday, December 2, Barnier justified this measure as the end of an extensive dialogue with political groups: “I have gone to the end of the dialogue,” he said, emphasizing that “the French expect stability” and that this moment of truth would put everyone face to face with their responsibilities. Article 49.3 allows a bill to be passed without a vote, but the government is exposed to a motion of censure.

The opposition’s response and political stakes

This is the first time Michel Barnier has activated this article since taking office. In response, the Left has promised to file a motion of censure, which will also be supported by the National Rally. If this motion is adopted, it could mean the downfall of the Barnier government, making it the shortest in the history of the Fifth Republic.

The procedure dictates that a motion of censure is examined 48 hours after being filed. To be approved, it must receive the absolute majority of the members of the National Assembly.

Mathilde Panot, leader of the La France Insoumise deputies, announced that her group would be filing a motion of censure. “Prime Minister Michel Barnier will have both dishonor and censure on Wednesday,” she said to the press. If this motion is voted through, it would mark the end of the Barnier government.

The vote on the motions of censure presented by the opposition is scheduled for mid-week.