Political tensions intensified as Marine Le Pen and Mathilde Panot announced plans for a censure motion against the government following budget discussions with Michel Barnier. Le Pen criticized proposed tax hikes and pension compromises, while Panot condemned the budget as socially and environmentally damaging. With Barnier lacking a majority, he may invoke Article 49.3 for budget approval. A successful censure could jeopardize the government and lead to financial instability, with various factions urging reevaluation of tax policies.
Political Tensions Rise Over Budget Discussions
On Monday, significant political tensions escalated as Marine Le Pen, representing the far-right National Rally, and Mathilde Panot of the left-wing France Insoumise, reaffirmed their intentions to pursue a motion of censure against the government following their discussions with Michel Barnier.
In light of budgetary consultations initiated by the Prime Minister, Le Pen, who wields considerable influence over the government’s fate, dismissed concerns about potential political and financial turmoil stemming from her threats. After a one-hour meeting with Barnier, she stated, “Michel Barnier seems firmly entrenched in his stance,” confirming the RN’s determination to vote for censure if the budget remains unchanged.
Key Issues and Demands
Le Pen emphasized her unwavering position, expressing that both her stance and that of the Prime Minister appeared unchanged. She described the proposed increases in electricity taxes and compromises on pensions as “unacceptable,” insisting on “clear” savings in areas like immigration and state operations.
Following the discussions, Mathilde Panot highlighted significant disagreements with the Prime Minister, particularly regarding what she termed the “most socially and environmentally violent” budget in the history of the Fifth Republic. She urged all deputies, including those from the RN, to support her impending censure motion if Barnier resorts to Article 49.3 to approve the budget without a vote.
With the Assembly lacking a majority, Barnier suggested he may have to invoke this constitutional measure to ensure the budget’s passage. To navigate the potential censure, he must prevent a coalition between the RN and the left.
In a related meeting, Stéphane Lenormand, leader of the centrist Liot group, expressed his opposition to budget cuts affecting local authorities and overseas territories, stating that Liot would await the final budget before deciding on the censure motion.
Amidst this political backdrop, Eric Ciotti, a supporter of the RN and president of the UDR group, critiqued the proposed budget as flawed, hinting at the possibility of voting for censure unless Barnier adjusts his draft.
Le Pen also addressed discussions around future immigration laws and proportional representation, noting that while the dialogue has begun, progress appears slow. She has been vocal against the government since facing indictments related to her European Parliament assistants.
A successful censure vote could lead to the collapse of Barnier’s government and the rejection of the budget for 2025, raising alarms for government spokesperson Maud Bregeon about the potential for a financial crisis reminiscent of Greece.
Defending against accusations of fostering chaos, Le Pen stated, “If this budget fails, last year’s budget will apply, which is less burdensome due to fewer taxes.” She placed the responsibility for any political fallout squarely on President Emmanuel Macron, asserting that it would be his prerogative to appoint a new Prime Minister should censure pass.
Meanwhile, Panot dismissed the likelihood of a “shutdown” scenario affecting civil servant payments and expressed a willingness to revisit budget discussions at the start of 2025. As pressure mounts from various political factions, Barnier’s allies are also calling for a reevaluation of proposed tax increases, with Gabriel Attal, leader of the macronist deputies, labeling Le Pen’s approach as “totally irresponsible.”