PARIS (Reuters)-France’s fourth minister in less than two years, François Bayrou faces defeat in a vote of confidence on Monday, leading the second largest economy of the euro zone to even greater political and economic paralysis.
The expected collapse of the minority government seems to deepen France’s problems at a critical moment for Europe, which is seeking unity against the Russian War against Ukraine, an increasingly dominant China and commercial tensions with the United States.
Turning also threatens France’s ability to control its debt, with the risk of new relegations of credit as the titles spreads – a risk award indicator that investors require to maintain French debt – increase.
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France faces strong pressure to remedy its finances, with last year’s deficit almost double the European Union limit of 3% of economic production and public debt in 113.9% of GDP.
The vote of confidence is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, with an opening speech of Bayrou, followed by leaders of all political groups. The result of the vote may be released around 14h (Brasília time).
The opposition leaders of the whole political spectrum made it clear that they would keep their plans to vote for the dismissal of Bayrou.
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“I want to tell you that I am very happy with the fall of the government today. For many French, it is a relief,” Manuel Bompard of the extreme left Party was told Franceinfo, echoing similar comments from other parties.
If he actually fell to fall, President Emmanuel Macron will probably have to find another head of government capable of conducting a budget for Parliament, less than a year after the dismissal of Bayrou conservative predecessor, Michel Barnier.
Social tensions are also warming up. Several foggy groups that multiplied online summoned the French to “block everything” on Wednesday this week, while the main workers’ unions are planning a social action on September 18 against budget cuts plans.
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So far, Macron has ruled out the possibility of dissolving Parliament, as he did last year. France has been plunged into a political crisis since an early election, which has resulted in an even more divided parliament.
Macron’s own alliance, while no majority since 2022, has seen its numbers fall even more, while the national meeting, anti-immigration and far right, emerged as the largest party. A loose coalition of left -wing left parties has emerged as the largest block. No field has a majority.
“This crisis was caused and fueled by President Emmanuel Macron and all those who served him,” said Marine Le Pen, head of the national meeting legislators group on Sunday. “Today, the sick man of Europe, because of them, is France.”
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