The New Popular Front, an alliance of several left-wing parties, emerged as the front-runner against Macron’s supporters and the far-right after snap elections in July.
The alliance was angered by Macron’s decision to defect to the centre-right, choosing Barnier as his new prime minister, and vowed to vote against the government.
This meant that Barnier was still forced to rely on the RN for the survival of his government.
He used Article 49.3 of the French constitution, which allows the text of a bill to be adopted without a vote, to push through his 2025 budget after the RN joined the left in opposing it.
“I don’t think the French will forgive us for choosing party interests over the future of the country,” Barnier told MPs on Tuesday, explaining the reasons for his decision. “Now everyone will have to take their responsibility as I took it.”
Marine Le Pen explained the position of RN.
“Barnier did not listen to the 11 million voters of RN… He said that everyone should take their responsibility and that is what we will do,” she said.
In September, President Emmanuel Macron invited Barnier to form a government.
If Barnier does not survive Wednesday’s vote, he will remain as interim prime minister until Macron announces a new government.
This could be a new majority government – which is unlikely given the split in the French parliament – or a technocratic government that will lead the country until new elections next summer.
Several parties are also demanding new presidential elections. Macron is currently set to remain in office until 2027.
