Circumstances

A motion of no-confidence may be tabled in the case of disapproval by the National Assembly of an action taken by the Government.

Modalites

A motion of no-confidence in the Council of Ministers must be seconded by one fifth or more of the members of the National Assembly (Article 89, paragraph 1 of the Constitution). To be passed, the motion requires a majority of more than half of the votes of all National Assembly members.

Consequences

Should the National Assembly pass a vote of no-confidence in the Prime Minister or the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister hands in his Government's resignation (Article 89, paragraph 2 of the Constitution). Should the National Assembly reject a vote of no-confidence in the Council of Ministers, no new motion for a vote of no-confidence on the same grounds may be tabled before six months lapse. During the 1991-2001 period 14 votes of no-confidence were tabled, all of them by opposition parties, and all were unsuccessful.