French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Tuesday, December 3, said it was possible his government could survive a no-confidence vote in parliament, evoking a possible “reflex of responsibility” from MPs. With no majority in the Assemblée Nationale, Barnier used Article 49.3 of the Constitution on Monday to pass his social security budget bill without a vote.
“I want this and it is possible. It depends on the MPs… I think it is possible that there is this reflex of responsibility where – beyond political differences, divergences, the normal contradictions in a democracy – we tell ourselves that there is a higher interest,” Barnier told French television when asked if there was a chance his government could survive Wednesday’s vote.
The far-left La France Insoumise opposition party said it would table a no-confidence motion after Barnier used executive powers Monday to force through social security legislation without a vote. Marine Le Pen’s far-right Rassemblement National, said it would back the motion.
French lawmakers are expected to vote on the motion on Wednesday, with first results expected around 8pm.
French PM Barnier says ‘possible’ parliament shows ‘responsibility’ in no-confidence vote
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