On Monday, December 2, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced that the government would use a special procedure to pass the 2025 budget, automatically initiating a vote of no confidence in his minority government.
Barnier made the announcement during a session of the National Assembly, invoking Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, which allows the government to make decisions without parliamentary approval in exceptional cases.
“I believe we have reached a moment of truth, where everyone must take responsibility for their actions. I trust that the French people will never forgive us for choosing private interests over the future of the nation,” Barnier said.
Following the activation of Article 49.3, the National Assembly has 48 hours to consider a vote of no confidence against the government. Left-wing parties and the right-wing National Rally have previously pledged to support the no-confidence motion, leaving Barnier without a majority. According to BFMTV, if the motion passes, Barnier’s government would have the shortest tenure in the history of the Fifth Republic of France, established in 1958.
The 2025 budget proposal, which includes €60 billion in spending cuts primarily through tax hikes and reduced payments, has been a contentious issue.
