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French PM faces further attempts to topple his government

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 18:30 GMT by The Irish News
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Fetching URL: https://www.irishnews.com/news/world/french-pm-faces-further-attempts-to-topple-his-government-54KVQQI7TVPKHLEIU2CGCOUUGY/French Prime Minister Faces New Threats to His Government

In a developing political crisis that has rattled Paris and drawn attention from Brussels, the French Prime Minister is confronting fresh attempts to topple his administration. The latest wave of opposition has taken the form of a formal no‑confidence motion, a coalition of dissenting parties, and a series of public protests that threaten to undermine the stability of France’s governing coalition.

The No‑Confidence Motion

The motion was tabled by a group of opposition deputies, including members of the National Rally (RN), the Socialist Party (PS), and the Left Front (FG). In a parliamentary vote held last Tuesday, the motion received 120 votes in favour out of 577 eligible seats, falling short of the 289 needed to pass. While the motion failed, it underscored the growing dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s handling of key policy areas. The opposition cited the failure to deliver on promised tax cuts, the handling of the COVID‑19 economic recovery, and perceived excesses in the government's security operations as the main grievances.

The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said that the government remains firmly in control and that the failed motion should not be seen as a loss of confidence. “The government stands for stability and progress,” the spokesperson declared, adding that the administration would continue to pursue its reform agenda.

Coalition Dynamics

The Prime Minister’s coalition is a fragile alliance between the centrist party, the Social Democratic Party (PSdD), and the Greens, who joined forces after the 2022 presidential election to block a right‑wing majority. The coalition had been held together largely by the President’s personal influence. However, the Greens have grown increasingly skeptical of the Prime Minister’s approach to environmental policy and the pace of the green transition. Recent leaks suggest that the Greens have been negotiating a potential break from the coalition should the Prime Minister refuse to introduce a new green investment fund.

The National Rally, which holds 78 seats in the National Assembly, has long been the most vocal critic. Its leader has called for a “reset” of France’s economic policy, accusing the government of over‑regulation and ineffective spending. The National Rally’s new leader, a former member of the French National Assembly, recently announced an alliance with the far‑right “Liberté et Justice” group to form a larger opposition bloc, a move that has intensified fears of a potential governmental collapse.

Public Protests and Civil Unrest

Parallel to parliamentary maneuvers, street protests have erupted in several French cities. In Paris, demonstrators gathered near the Hôtel de Ville to demand the resignation of the Prime Minister, citing a lack of transparency and the “failing” public sector. Police presence was heightened, and a brief clash between protesters and security forces led to several arrests. Similar demonstrations have been reported in Lyon, Marseille, and Strasbourg, each demanding a comprehensive review of the government's economic and social policies.

In a statement released by the National Assembly, the speaker condemned the “unacceptable” violence and reiterated the need for calm. “The legitimacy of the French democratic institutions depends on the rule of law and the respect of constitutional norms,” the speaker said.

Reaction of the President and the European Union

President Emmanuel Macron, who has maintained a hands‑on role in steering the coalition, has urged the Prime Minister to address the opposition’s concerns and to work toward a more inclusive policy framework. In an interview with a leading French news outlet, the President said that “the French people deserve a stable government that delivers tangible results.”

The European Union has expressed concern about the potential instability. A spokesperson from the European Commission noted that “France’s political stability is of paramount importance to the EU as a whole.” The spokesperson added that the Commission would be ready to support France if necessary, but that “the best solution is for France to remain united.”

Possible Outcomes and Future Projections

If the opposition continues to build momentum, the Prime Minister could be forced to resign or the government could call a snap election. The current parliamentary term ends in 2027, but early elections are a viable option should the coalition collapse. Analysts say that a new election could either cement the President’s influence or open the door for a far‑right resurgence.

The situation also raises questions about the French constitutional order. Since the Fifth Republic’s creation in 1958, France has experienced only a handful of successful no‑confidence motions. The most recent was in 2017, when the Socialist Party attempted to bring down the government of the then‑Prime Minister. The present crisis could serve as a litmus test for the resilience of France’s semi‑presidential system.

Bottom Line

The French Prime Minister now faces a growing coalition of opposition parties and a surge of public dissent. While a recent no‑confidence motion failed to pass, the underlying tensions point to an increasingly unstable political environment. Whether the government will weather the storm or give way to a new political configuration remains to be seen. The unfolding drama is closely watched not only by the French public but also by international observers, who recognize France’s pivotal role in European affairs.