No-confidence vote draws France into new political crisis [Video]

France headed into a new political crisis Tuesday as opposition lawmakers threatened to topple the minority government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier in a no-confidence vote after just three months in office.

A standoff over an austerity budget, which has caused jitters on financial markets, follows permanent tension since the 73-year-old was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron in September.

The far-left France Unbowed (LFI) opposition party said it would bring a no-confidence motion after Barnier, under pressure to implement cost-cutting measures, used executive powers Monday to force through social security legislation without a vote.

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN), which has demanded changes in the 2025 budget, said it would back the move.

French legislators were expected to vote on the motion Wednesday, with first results expected around 1900 GMT.

Two no-confidence motions will be put forward. One by the far right is unlikely to pass, but one …