Brexit-basher Michel Barnier risks being shortest-serving French PM in modern history

Michel Barnier became PM after an inconclusive set of French parliamentary elections (Image: Getty Images)

Staunch Brexit opponent Michel Barnier could become the shortest-serving prime minister in France’s history under the Fifth Republic as his government teeters on the brink of collapse.

The European Union’s former Brexit negotiator made a surprise political comeback in July years after being a thorn in Britain’s side as it sought to leave the bloc after the 2016 referendum.

The 73-year-old was appointed by beleaguered Emmanuel Macron to head a minority government after an inconclusive set of parliamentary elections that humiliated the French president.

But his administration looks increasingly likely to fall over its budget, which opponents refused to vote through.

Without a majority in parliament, Mr Barnier – the fifth French prime minister in seven years – used special powers to force through the budget without a vote.

Furious opposition parties have now said they will back a no-confidence motion to oust him.

Two motions of no-confidence will be debated in the National Assembly in Paris from 4pm on Wednesday, with a vote at around 7pm.

Mr Barnier could be out of power by Thursday – the three-month anniversary of when he was appointed.

No French government has been forced out by such a vote since 1962 and it would make Mr Barnier the shortest-serving prime minister in the history of the Fifth Republic.

Bernard Cazeneuve spent the least amount of time in the role – just over five months – while Mr Barnier’s predecessor Gabriel Attal held the post for eight months.

Mr Macron is also facing calls to resign as a recent poll showed well over half of the French people would be in favour of him quitting if Mr Barnier’s government falls.

Mr Barnier’s brief was to rescue the French economy by getting the GDP deficit ratio back below 3%.

To do that, his budget included deep cuts to public spending totalling £33billion (€40billion) and steep tax rises amounting to £16billion (€20billion).