THE two motions of censure aimed at overthrowing the government of Michel Barnier have been debated since 4:45 p.m. this Wednesday afternoon in the National Assembly. They were filed by the left and the far right after recourse to article 49-3 on Monday of the Constitution to pass the Social Security financing bill without a vote.
[A VENIR] Motions of censure against Michel Barnier: examination in the hemicycle – 04/12/2024
The motion tabled by the New Popular Front, signed by the most deputies, is debated first. It will then be put to a vote. In the event of rejection, the second motion of censure, tabled by the National Rally and its allies, will in turn be put to a vote. The motion will not be adopted “only if it is voted by the absolute majority of the members making up the Assembly. As of December 4, 2024, the National Assembly has 574 members. Under these conditions, the adoption threshold is therefore set at 288 votes”specifies the website of the National Assembly. The Barnier government will know its fate around 8:30 p.m.
Nearly three hours of debate
The groups take turns speaking in the hemicycle. Here is the order of passage:
- LFI-NFP (10')
- RN (15’)
- Socialists (10')
- Republican right (15')
- Environmentalists (10')
- Democratic group (15')
- Horizons (10’)
- LIOT (10')
- Republican Left Group (10')
- Union of Rights for the Republic (10')
- Together for the Republic (35')
- Not registered (5')
Ensuite, Michel Barnier will speak to conclude the debates.
Early evening voting
Then, MPs will vote. “Only MPs in favor of the motion of censure participate in the vote”indicates the Assembly website. It will take place “in the rooms next to the meeting room and is open for a duration of 30 minutes”.
“In the event of rejection of both motions”which seems unlikely, since the National Rally and the NFP announced that they would vote to censure the government“the bill is considered adopted”. In the hypothesis “where one of them is adopted, the text is rejected and the government must submit its resignation“, indicates the National Assembly.
If the government falls, the President of the National Assembly will bring the groups together to discuss what happens next at 9:30 p.m.
