French Far Right Pledges to Oust Barnier Unless He Compromises on Budget

Marine Le Pen Threatens Government Crisis Over Budget Dispute

PARIS — French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has issued a stark warning that she could destabilize the government and plunge France into political and fiscal uncertainty over a contentious budget proposal. Le Pen met with Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Monday to hash out differences as tensions escalated.

Following the meeting, Le Pen told reporters that her National Rally party would support a motion of no confidence against the government’s budget proposal “as things stand.” The conflict revolves around a controversial increase in the electricity tax, which Le Pen has deemed a “red line” for her party. “This measure is unacceptable,” she said last week during a public statement outlining her opposition to Barnier’s fiscal plan.

Despite the standoff, Barnier stood firm in defending his proposed budget during their discussion. According to Le Pen, the Prime Minister maintained a tone that was “courteous yet uncompromising” as he justified the tax hike and other provisions of the budget.

This confrontation places the government in a precarious position and sets the stage for a potential showdown in parliament, with the country bracing for the political fallout.