The government was hoping that the Socialists, the most centrist faction within the left-wing alliance, would break with their partners in the name of stability and to avoid what Barnier described as “a serious storm and serious turbulence on the financial markets.”
During a press conference shortly before the meeting, Barnier spokesperson Maud Bregeon singled out what she called the “enormous responsibility” that the Socialists bore.
“The National Rally alone does not hold the key to the final outcome,” Bregeon said.
Kanner later countered: “Mr. Barnier is under the influence of the far right, so he should talk to them first if he doesn’t want to fall victim to a vote of no confidence. We are the opposition.”
Barnier did just that on Monday, meeting with Marine Le Pen but sticking to his guns, the longtime far-right leader said. Le Pen responded by publicly threatening to topple his government, which was appointed just over two months ago, if her party’s demands are not met.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a National Rally heavyweight, attempted earlier on Wednesday to downplay the financial consequences of a government collapse, accusing Barnier of “crying wolf,” and saying there was “no reason” to close the door on negotiations with the government. Later in the day, Le Pen described the budget as “bad, unfair and brutal.”
An Ipsos poll released on Sunday showed that 53 percent of respondents were in favor of a vote of no confidence against the government — including two-thirds of National Rally supporters and 73 percent of Socialists.