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?

Marine Le Pen, National Rally (RN) leader, has threatened to bring down the French government on Monday if Michel Barnier, France’s prime minister, does not drop effective cuts to pensions.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier must make further budget concessions to avoid a no confidence motion that could topple his government, National Rally lawmaker Marine Le Pen said on Sunday. 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,