The French National Assembly has rejected by a large majority the motion of no confidence tabled by the coalition of the left against the center-right government of Michel Barnier.
Last month, President Emmanuel Macron chose Barnier as his new prime minister, after snap elections in which no party secured independence.
The motion of censure had little chance of success, since it would also have to be supported by the far-right National Alarm (RN) MPs, who appeared unwilling to align themselves with the left. Only 197 MPs voted in favor today, while 289 votes were needed to topple the government.
“The proposal is not approved,” announced Yael Bron-Pivet, the president of the parliament.
All eyes are now on Barnier’s first budget to be tabled on Thursday, which is likely to include tax increases and spending cuts of 60 billion euros, aimed at reducing the deficit. Passing the budget will be the next big test for the government.
National Alarm leader Marine Le Pen has said she wants to “give the new prime minister a chance” but has set “red lines”. Among other things, it calls for any increase in taxes to be balanced by increased purchasing power for the lower and middle classes.
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