French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is facing the possibility of a government collapse as he attempts to pass his budget without a parliamentary vote. This approach has raised concerns as it allows for motions of no confidence to be introduced.

An alliance of pan-left lawmakers has already pledged to initiate such a motion, which could gain support from the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen. Le Pen has stated that her party will vote to bring down the government unless Barnier abandons plans for higher electricity taxes and delays in pension inflation adjustments. She has also criticized the administration for not reducing spending on bureaucracy and medical aid for migrants.

This political turmoil comes at a critical time for Europe, with Barnier warning that interest rates for financing debt are approaching levels seen in Greece. There are fears of a potential eurozone crisis, which is further exacerbated by a slowing German economy and potential trade tensions with the United States.