The end of Michel Barnier’s government looks inevitable, even imminent, and would add to the country’s political malaise. The only question seems to be: How long he can last?

Le Pen has given Barnier until Monday to yield to budget demands from the National Rally (RN) or face the threat that they would back a likely no confidence motion against his government, which would trigger its collapse.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who holds outsize leverage in France’s split parliament, gave Prime Minister Michel Barnier until Monday to adhere to her budget red lines before she decides whether to topple the government.

He has until Monday,” far-right leader Marine Le Pen warned Barnier this week as she demanded further concessions on his contentious 2025 budget that aims to start trimming France’s yawning public deficit.