France risks fresh political crisis in no-confidence vote [Video]

France on Tuesday braced for new political turmoil as opposition lawmakers prepared to back a no-confidence motion this week that risks toppling the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months in office.

A standoff between Barnier and the opposition over the 2025 budget, which has caused jitters on financial markets, follows months of tensions since the 73-year-old became prime minister in September at the helm of a minority government appointed by President Emmanuel Macron.

Far-left opposition party France Unbowed (LFI) said it would bring a no-confidence motion after Barnier used executive powers Monday to force through controversial social security legislation without a vote.

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

French legislators were expected to hold a no-confidence vote against Barnier’s government on Wednesday afternoon, parliamentary sources said.

Two no-confidence motions will …