The New People’s Front, a coalition of several left-wing parties, took the lead over Macron supporters and the far right after snap elections in July.
The coalition was angered by Macron’s decision to pivot to the centre-right by electing Barnier as new prime minister, and pledged to vote against the government.
This means that Barnier has so far had to rely on the RN for the survival of his government.
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 the 2025 budget as the RN opposes the left.
“I don’t think the French people will forgive us for choosing party interests over the future of the country,” Barnier said Tuesday as he explained the reasons for his decision to lawmakers. “Now everyone will have to take on their own responsibilities, just as I have.”
Marine le Pen explained the RN position.
“Barnier didn’t listen to the 11 million RN voters. He said everyone has to 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 last September.
If Barnier does not survive Wednesday’s vote, he will remain interim prime minister until Macron announces a new government.
It could either be a new majority government (unlikely given the fragmented French parliament) or a technocratic government that would lead the country until new elections are held next summer.
Some political parties are also calling for a new presidential election. As of now, Macron is scheduled to remain in office until 2027.
