French government still shaky as lawmakers compromise on budget bill
A commission of Senators and members of the National Assembly have hashed out a compromise 2025 budget that, if passed by the both full assemblies, could avoid the government having to force the bill through without a vote. But far right and leftist lawmakers, who disagree with many of the cost-cutting measures, are calling for a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Barnier.
Barnier's struggles to push the 2025 budget through a polarised parliament have been threatening his fragile coalition government, as opponents on the left and right threaten a vote of no confidence that he is likely to lose.
The austerity budget, which seeks to rein in the public deficit with €60 billion deficit tax hikes and spending cuts, was rejected by the National Assembly before being debated by the Senate.
A commission of seven Senators and seven MPs Wednesday night came up with a compromise version, which will be put to a vote by both chambers.
If it passes, it would mean Barnier would avoid having to resort to using article 49.3 of the constitution that allows for legislation to be passed without a vote – a move that would very likely trigger a no-confidence vote.
Yet the far right National Rally, whose support is key to the government, disapproves of several measures in the compromise bill, including a tax increase on electricity, and a decision to not index pensions to inflation.
Some say RN leader Marine Le Pen's embezzlement trial may be influencing her hard line position.
Just over half of French people, angry over the proposed budget, want the government to fall, according to a poll published Thursday.
Read more on RFI English
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