The eyes of the world are on France this week ahead the reopening of Notre Dame, the iconic cathedral destroyed in a fire five years ago.
Heads of state and religious leaders will gather on Saturday to celebrate the restoration of one of the country’s foremost symbols, now in a condition that surpasses that of the time before the fire.
But behind the shiny facade of a restored cathedral hides a much shakier foundation – a political system in chaos.
On Monday, it was announced that Prime Minister Michel Barnier, who barely had time to warm his chair, is facing a vote of no confidence on Wednesday. His “crime” – that despite two months of negotiations, he failed to get a budget through parliament. If the government falls – and all signs point in that direction – he will be one of the shortest-serving prime ministers in France’s modern history.
France is facing a political stalemate
However, it can be argued that Barnier never had a chance. Gathering a majority in the deeply divided French parliament is like trying to balance on a tightrope across the Seine. Barnier ended up in the arms of Marine Le Pen’s National Assembly, but when he refused to give in to their demands for changes to the pension budget, they too announced their intention to vote to bring down the government.
So why does all this matter?
The fall of a government is in itself sensational, but it also signals something even more serious: France is facing a political deadlock in which no one seems to be able to deliver stability. The country is already carrying a gigantic national debt and now, when the budget is going to fall, it is even more difficult to see how that situation is going to improve. But perhaps more importantly, who dares to take on the hopeless task of forming a new government and gathering enough support to survive further no-confidence votes?
The political centrifuge is spinning
At the same time, the political centrifuge continues to spin. Positions on the far left and far right are strengthening, while moderate politicians are trying to navigate a political terrain that increasingly resembles a minefield. In the middle of this chaos stands Emmanuel Macron – expected to solve the crisis but increasingly isolated, with demands for his resignation echoing from both left and right.
As world leaders applaud the rebuilding of Notre Dame this week, they may not be able to help but wonder: Is France also headed for ruin—but this time without a clear plan for rebuilding?
Today 19:11