Marine Le Pen's Call for Negotiation with Michel Barnier
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally (RN), has stated that the potential censure of Prime Minister Michel Barnier is not a foregone conclusion, provided he is willing to negotiate on the upcoming budget texts. In an interview with La Tribune, Le Pen expressed her desire for constructive dialogue, emphasizing that Barnier's political background, which includes 47 deputies, should facilitate discussions. She warned, however, that if Barnier refuses to engage, he would be responsible for triggering a censure motion against his government.
Tensions Over the Social Security Budget
The RN is poised to vote for a motion of censure next week regarding the Social Security budget, as RN MP Jean-Philippe Tanguy criticized the government for its lack of movement on key issues. Tanguy indicated that the RN is awaiting the draft of the Social Security budget, which is set to be presented on Monday. He reiterated that the RN's demands, particularly regarding pension revaluation, remain unchanged and non-negotiable. If the government resorts to using article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the budget without a vote, it could lead to a coalition of RN and leftist votes that may result in the government's downfall.
The Stakes of the Upcoming Budget Votes
The National Assembly is scheduled to vote on the Social Security financing bill on Monday, with significant implications for Barnier's government. Le Pen has made it clear that the RN's red lines include tax cuts and sufficient pension adjustments, which she believes are essential for economic justice. The RN's position is firm, with Tanguy asserting that they will not compromise on their demands, particularly regarding the timing of pension increases. As the political landscape becomes increasingly fraught, the RN's actions could determine the fate of Barnier's administration.
