French Government Faces Collapse Over Budget Crisis and Opposition Pressure

Premier Michel Barnier's minority government struggles to pass budget reforms as opposition factions threaten a no-confidence vote.

A recent poll shows 53% of French citizens want a change in government, citing dissatisfaction with proposed tax hikes and spending cuts aimed at reducing a €60 billion deficit.
Marine Le Pen and her far-right Rassemblement National party have withdrawn support for the government, opposing measures like electricity tax increases and reduced healthcare coverage for migrants.
Barnier has made concessions, including dropping the electricity tax hike and cutting migrant healthcare costs, but Le Pen demands further action, such as inflation-adjusted pensions and reduced EU contributions.
A potential no-confidence vote, supported by both far-right and left-wing opposition, could oust Barnier as early as December, with significant implications for France's fiscal stability and EU relations.
Experts warn that prolonged political instability in France could impact its credit rating, increase borrowing costs, and strain the Eurozone's economic resilience.