French Government Faces Potential Collapse Over Budget Dispute

Negotiations between Prime Minister Michel Barnier and Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement National intensify as a motion of censure looms.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government risks being ousted if the Rassemblement National (RN) supports a motion of censure initiated by left-wing parties over the proposed 2025 budget.
Marine Le Pen has listed key demands, including changes to electricity taxes and reductions to the State Medical Aid budget, as conditions for withholding RN support for the censure motion.
Barnier has warned of severe financial instability, including market turbulence, if the government falls before the budget is passed, while dismissing the likelihood of a U.S.-style government shutdown.
The Élysée has denied reports that President Macron privately predicted the government's downfall, emphasizing the need for stability during this critical period.
Both Barnier and Le Pen face significant political risks: Barnier could become the shortest-serving prime minister of the Fifth Republic, while the RN may be blamed for triggering national instability.