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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a no-confidence vote. (AP) Barnier invoked a rarely used constitutional mechanism on Monday to pass a controversial 2025 budget without parliamentary approval, saying it was essential to maintain “stability” amid deep political divisions. The move drew an immediate backlash, with both Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front filing no-confidence motions to set the stage for a vote to oust the prime minister. Macron had turned to Barnier in September to resolve the impasse and tackle France’s soaring deficit.
French President Emmanuel Macron must appoint a new prime minister. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters) However, Barnier’s proposed austerity budget — 40 billion euros ($65.37 billion) in spending cuts and 20 billion euros ($32.68 billion) in tax increases — has only served to deepen divisions, inflame tensions in the lower house and spark this bitter political confrontation. The use of a constitutional tool, known as Article 49.3, allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote, but also puts it at risk of a no-confidence motion. Opposition leaders argue that Barnier’s concessions, including the cancellation of an electricity tax hike, are not enough to address their concerns. Le Pen accused Barnier of ignoring her party’s demands. Australia ranks among the world’s top 10 best cities View gallery “Everyone must take their share of responsibility,” she said. The political deadlock has roiled financial markets, with borrowing costs rising sharply amid concerns about long-term instability. Barnier warned of “serious turbulence” if the budget is not passed, but critics dismissed his comments as alarmist.