French PM Bows to Far Right: Electricity Tax Hike Scrapped!
In a dramatic move to stabilize his wavering government, the French Prime Minister has announced he will eliminate proposed tax hikes on electricity, a decision aimed at appeasing a restless far right and averting an impending political storm. With tensions mounting, Michel Barnier is now racing against time to secure his position ahead of a potential confidence vote that could shake the very foundations of his administration as soon as next week.
“I’ve decided not to raise taxes on electricity,” Barnier declared in an exclusive interview with Le Figaro, a significant concession to opposition parties ready to pounce on the government’s unpopular budget proposals.
The political landscape is tense as leaders grapple with the contentious 2025 budget, which aims to address France’s escalating public deficit through €60 billion in tax increases and spending cuts. The stakes are high; if Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally aligns with the left to initiate a vote of no confidence, Barnier’s government could topple in a heartbeat.
This budget debacle is just the latest twist in a saga of political tension that has unfolded since Barnier was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron to lead a minority government last September. Macron’s unexpected decision to call a snap parliamentary election this past summer resulted in a hung parliament, leaving three factions—left, center, and far right—at odds.
With the budget still pending approval, Barnier finds himself in a precarious position. Opposition parties, united against him, are gearing up for a showdown, leaving him to contemplate invoking article 49.3 of the constitution. This controversial move would allow him to push through the budget’s social security section without parliamentary approval, opening the door for a rapid confidence vote that could spell disaster for his government.
Barnier took to the evening news this week to issue a grave warning: the financial markets could face “extremely serious and turbulent conditions” if his government is toppled.
Adding fuel to the fire, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized on CNews, “At a time when war is at our doorstep, when the planet is in turmoil, any decision to overthrow Barnier’s government would plunge France into chaos and instability.”
As the balance of power shifts, Le Pen’s National Rally stands as a formidable force in parliament. While historically positioned as the largest single opposition party, it has so far refrained from colluding with leftist rivals to oust Barnier. However, the party’s stance is shifting; they now demand that the government take stronger measures to protect households, small businesses, and retirees from the budget’s harsh realities.
Le Pen’s party president, Jordan Bardella, proudly announced a “victory” this week with Barnier’s decision to halt the electricity tax increase, signaling a shift in their political strategy. But with Le Pen facing her own legal troubles that could derail her presidential ambitions, the stakes are higher than ever.
Public sentiment is palpable; recent polls reveal that 53% of the French populace now favors a shake-up in Barnier’s government, fueled by frustration over the budget. A staggering 63% believe that if Barnier’s administration collapses, Macron should step down as well.
As these political dramas unfold in France, the nation watches with bated breath. Will Barnier’s concessions be enough to stave off a crisis? Or will the tides turn against him, leading to a government overhaul and a reshaping of French politics? The coming days are critical, and the outcome remains uncertain.
