Marine Le Pen is determined to pursue a censure motion against the government despite Michel Barnier’s recent concessions on electricity pricing. She criticized Barnier’s budget for lacking structural savings, claiming it would worsen France’s financial crisis. With a deadline approaching for budget modifications, Barnier called for dialogue and emphasized the need for progress. As the government considers options under Article 49.3, tensions rise, and the possibility of a censure motion looms amid ongoing political complexities.
Marine Le Pen Issues Ultimatum to Michel Barnier
Despite Michel Barnier’s recent concessions regarding electricity pricing, Marine Le Pen appears resolute in her intent to move forward with a censure motion against the government next week. On Friday, she directed sharp criticisms at the Prime Minister, accusing him of exacerbating the financial crisis facing the nation.
Demands for Accountability Before Monday
In a post on X, the National Rally leader labeled the latest announcements from Barnier as ‘unacceptable,’ particularly criticizing the lack of structural savings to support the taxation changes on electricity and corporate social contributions. She emphasized that these decisions only deepen an already significant deficit.
Le Pen stated, ‘Mr. Barnier’s budget will accelerate the financial turmoil created by seven years of Macronism,’ pointing to issues like business failures and rising unemployment. She insists on receiving answers before Monday, the deadline after which the government cannot modify its Social Security budget proposal.
During a visit to Limoges, Barnier expressed a desire for ‘respect’ and ‘dialogue,’ highlighting that he is not approaching the situation with an ultimatum. He underlined the need for a France that works, reduces its debt, and preserves jobs, emphasizing that the populace expects progress.
The RN’s call for ‘structural savings’ could stir reactions within Matignon, given that some of Barnier’s announcements were made in response to the party’s demands. These include plans to cancel the partial de-indexation of pensions from inflation, which would yield significant savings starting January 1, alongside reductions in drug reimbursements.
As the government considers its options, it can amend its Social Security budget proposal until Monday by invoking Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows for adoption without a vote due to a lack of majority in the National Assembly. This scenario could prompt the left to file a censure motion, potentially gaining support from the RN as early as Wednesday.
During his visit, Prime Minister Barnier also expressed his support for exempting industry from the ‘zero net artificialization’ of land (ZAN) policy for five years, aimed at simplifying regulations to bolster the economic sector.
Regarding the financing of RN’s demands, Sébastien Chenu suggested various alternatives such as taxing windfall profits and reducing development aid. He dismissed concerns about an ‘economic deadlock’ if France were to operate without an approved budget, expressing confidence in the European Central Bank’s potential intervention.
From Limoges, Barnier assured that the government aims to reduce the deficit as much as possible, targeting around 5% of GDP by 2025. The administration plans to lower the public deficit from 6.1% in 2024 to below the European limit of 3% by 2029 while starting to address the national debt of nearly €3.230 trillion.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon mentioned on France 2 that Barnier is unlikely to make further concessions, framing the adjustments on electricity as a significant step. She noted that effective compromises require willingness from both parties, casting doubt on whether RN deputies are genuinely interested in constructive budgeting for France.
As the debate intensifies in the Assembly, the possibility of censure remains uncertain. Observers note that RN members are highly motivated, and Le Pen’s unpredictable behavior, given her current legal challenges, adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape.