French government faces collapse as Le Pen sets budget deadline
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Le Pen has signaled her party's readiness to align with left-wing opposition forces to bring down the government if her demands are not met.
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French right-wing leader Marine Le Pen answers reporters after the last day of the trial on charges of embezzling European Parliament funds, in Paris, Wednesday, on November 27, 2024. (AP)
The French government is on the verge of collapse as far-right National Rally (RN) leader Marine Le Pen issues a December 2 deadline for Prime Minister Michel Barnier to amend his contentious 2025 budget proposals.
Le Pen has signaled her party's readiness to align with left-wing opposition forces to bring down the government if her demands are not met.
Le Pen's Ultimatum
In an exclusive interview with Le Monde on Thursday, Le Pen criticized the 2025 budget and reiterated four key demands, including the removal of an electricity tax hike and a delay in pension inflation adjustments.
She warned that if Barnier invokes Article 49.3 of the French Constitution—which allows the government to bypass parliamentary votes—the RN will back a no-confidence motion.
"If our demands are not met, we will act," Le Pen said, accusing Barnier of ignoring RN's influence as the largest group in the National Assembly.
Calling the situation a "democratic issue," she added, "They want our votes but not our opinions."
Read more: French prosecutor seeks jail, election ban for Le Pen
Barnier's Response
In an effort to de-escalate tensions, Barnier announced in an interview with Le Figaro that the government has withdrawn the proposed electricity tax increase, previously labeled a "red line" by RN.
However, Le Pen dismissed this concession, accusing Barnier of failing to acknowledge RN's role in forcing the change.
Barnier's 2025 budget, introduced in October, aims to save €40 billion while increasing taxes by €20 billion to address a budget deficit projected to exceed 6% of GDP—double the EU's 3% limit.
Risk of Government Collapse
Barnier's minority government has struggled to secure support for the budget, prompting speculation that Article 49.3 will be invoked to pass it.
However, this move could backfire if the 124-member RN and the 192-member left-wing New People's Front (NFP) coalition unite to pass a no-confidence motion.
With a combined 316 votes in the 577-seat National Assembly, the RN and NFP could easily topple Barnier's government, triggering political turmoil in France.
