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 can he last?

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, which would trigger its collapse.

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.