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French PM Francois Bayrou survives first no-confidence motion, schism in left-wing

French PM Francois Bayrou survives first no-confidence motion, schism in

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has successfully passed an initial no-confidence vote in parliament, called for by the radical left party (LFI), after using Article 49.3 to approve the budget. The motion did not receive enough support, as the National Rally (RN) and the centre-left Socialists did not vote it down. Only 128 MPs backed the motion, far short of the 289 votes needed to bring the government down.

Article 49.3 of the French constitution allows the government to pass the legislation without a parliamentary vote, a decision that has caused tensions among left-wing parties. The Socialist Party's (SP) refusal to back the motion has angered its allies in the New Popular Front (NFP), threatening the stability of the leftist coalition. The head of the LFI, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, said the decision signaled the end of the left alliance.

The internal clashes come at a critical moment for the opposition, with municipal elections on the horizon and presidential elections in two years. Political analysts argue that the left must preserve unity if it is to challenge Marine Le Pen's far-right.

However, Bayrow has not yet passed the risk, as it is expected to inject Article 49.3 for two more social security bills next week, prompting new censorship motions from LFI and SP.

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