Michel Barnier was appointed France’s Prime Minister in September (Image: GETTY)
, who was appointed ‘s Prime Minister in September but is best known in the UK for his role as EU’s chief negotiator, is afternoon.
The politician, who leads a minority government, came under fire on Monday after he used special powers to push through a social security budget bill without MPs voting on it.
Both the far-left France Unbowed (LFI) and the far-right National Rally (RN) said they would support the no-confidence motion, despite being at the opposite sides of the political spectrum.
Mr Barnier is deemed unlikely to be backed by the French parliament today, but he said it’s “possible” the motion may not pass.
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National Assembly session opens
The National Assembly session opened at 3pm GMT (4pm local time).
Michel Barnier arrived to the National Assembly earlier this afternoon to face the outcome of the vote in person.
What triggered the vote of no confidence?
On Monday, Michel Barnier triggered article 49.3 to push through a budget bill.
The bill aims at controlling France’s deficit and includes spending cuts and tax rises.
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally and the left-wing LFI were on the frontline against this bill – and Mr Barnier agreed to make concessions to the budget’s critics.
However, opposition forces still didn’t deem the budget bill acceptable. Rather than modifying the bill further, Mr Barnier pushed through the bill.
Good afternoon
Good morning from London. We will be bringing you all the latest developments on the no-confidence motion taking place today in Paris.