France’s Prime Minister Survives No-Confidence Vote
France’s new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, faced a no-confidence motion on Tuesday from the left-wing New Popular Front coalition. Despite fragile support in a divided parliament, the motion failed to pass, with only 197 votes in favor out of the required 289.
Leader of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, accused Barnier of being an “accomplice of the extreme right” but acknowledged the clear majority in support of the government. Far-right party National Rally abstained from the vote, preventing the motion’s success.
The motion stemmed from discontent over President Emmanuel Macron’s choice to appoint a right-wing prime minister, overlooking the left-wing group that gained more votes in the recent elections. The political landscape in France remains divided, with no bloc having a clear majority.
Barnier’s government, formed with members from his Republican party and Macron’s centrist allies, aims to bring stability post-election. The situation highlights the challenges of political compromise in a fragmented parliament.
Overall, the no-confidence vote served as a significant test for Barnier’s government and its ability to navigate the complex political terrain in France.