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?

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.

Marine Le Pen's National Rally set out further demands for changes to the French government's 2025 budget bill after Prime Minister Michel Barnier dropped plans to raise taxes on electricity in a key concession.