ANKARA

The French government faces the risk of collapse on Wednesday if a no-confidence motion is passed, following the prime minister's decision to bypass a parliamentary vote to adopt the social security budget bill on Monday.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier invoked Article 49.3 of the constitution to pass the controversial social security budget bill, and the session at the National Assembly — the lower house of parliament — was suspended without any debate.

Lawmakers from both left- and right-wing parties condemned the action, with both sides filing no-confidence motions that could trigger the government's downfall.

The two motions are set to be discussed in the same session on Wednesday, though they will be voted on separately.

The right-wing National Rally (RN) party has announced it will support the left-wing New Popular Front’s (NFP) motion, a move that could push the government to the brink, as Barnier lacks a majority in the house.

To pass, the motion requires at least 289 votes.

Following the motion, French President Emmanuel Macron began seeking potential successors to nominate, according to BFMTV, citing sources close to the president.

The country has experienced political instability since June, following Macron's centrist bloc's failure and the RN’s victory in the EU elections.

In response, Macron called for snap parliamentary elections in two rounds on June 30 and July 7, but no party won enough votes (289) to secure an absolute majority in the lower house.

The NFP emerged with the most votes and seats in parliament, claiming it was entitled to have a prime minister from its ranks, but struggled to propose a candidate.

After weeks of internal divisions, the NFP nominated Lucie Castets for prime minister on July 23.

However, President Macron stated he would not appoint a prime minister until mid-August, despite the proposal, and also rejected a left-wing candidate.

Macron faced criticism for delaying the process, which led to further instability after he accepted Gabriel Attal’s resignation on July 16, following his initial rejection of it on July 8.

On Sept. 5, Macron finally appointed Michel Barnier, a center-right politician, former European commissioner, and former foreign minister, as prime minister.