The critics of Barniers slammed his envisioned tax hikes on online betting. Critics labeled them as targeted tax assaults.
If a vote of no confidence passes, PM Michel Barnier could make history. He would set a new record for the shortest term served by a French Prime Minister. The vote could lead to political instability and even affect the gaming industry.
LFI or La France Insoumise currently leads the vote. It is a local far-left party, and supported by RN or Rassemblement National, a far-right party. This bipartisan opposition to Barnier’s government could gain additional support. It may also signal the possible end of Barnier’s term as Prime Minister.
Last week, the opposition against Bernier swelled when other lawmakers rejected his budget. Barnier proposed tax hikes targeting numerous business sectors, including gambling, in an effort to address France’s national debt.
Nonetheless, this proposal didn’t sit well with many. This is in spite of the fact that the national debt of France has exceeded the limit set by the European Union. In addition to opposing the increases in corporate and goods taxes, many criticized the MP’s planned reductions in social services.
The critics of Bernier slammed his envisioned tax hikes on online betting, describing them as a targeted tax assault. While the tax hikes wouldn’t have affected land-based casino, lotteries and bookmakers, they could have led to noteworthy financial instability for online companies.
The vote of no confidence could potentially affect the industry negatively while the rejected budget was a reason for industry celebration. For context, lawmakers mulled over finally bringing iGaming to the country. Nevertheless, these plans are likely to be jeopardized if a no-confidence vote pass.
If this happens, the 2025 budget will remain unaddressed until a new government is installed, forcing the country to operate under a modified version of the 2024 budget. Additionally, this would disrupt ongoing iGaming efforts as President Macron would need to appoint a new cabinet.
