With the far right ready to turn on Barnier, the government appears to be attempting to convince the Socialist Party to join them in a marriage of convenience and prevent what government spokesperson Maud Bregeon called “a Greek-style scenario” in an interview with Le Parisien published on Saturday.
“It’s up to them … to come to the table. I know some of them are ready,” Bregon said.
But such a partnership appears highly unlikely at the moment. The New Popular Front remains furious with Emmanuel Macron after the president denied the alliance the opportunity to form a government after it won the most seats — but fell short of a majority — in the National Assembly during this summer’s election.
Though the Socialists are the most centrist of parties that make up the New Popular Front, its leaders appear ready to bring Barnier down.
Party leader Olivier Faure has already pledged to back a motion of no confidence if Barnier attempts to push the budget through without a vote, while Boris Vallaud, the leader of the Socialist group in the National Assembly, is already looking beyond the government’s likely downfall.
On Sunday, Vallaud called for all political groups except for the National Rally to hold talks on how to ensure the next government’s stability once Barnier is out.
“It’s obvious we’ll censure the government. The question is: What comes next? On what basis can a new government be formed, and how can we move forward before the next legislative elections?” an adviser to Vallaud, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with French professional standards, told POLITICO.
Giorgio Leali and Anthony Lattier contributed to this report.
