The French government, barely three months in office, is on the brink of collapse as Marine Le Pen’s party threatens to support a no-confidence vote. This move could trigger a cabinet reshuffle, which has been linked to key issues such as new electricity taxes in next year’s budget or the passage of a migration law that Le Pen’s party deems insufficient.
Le Pen identified these concerns as “red lines” that, if crossed, could lead to the government’s ousting. She made these remarks after meeting with Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
A no-confidence vote failed in October when Le Pen’s faction initially withheld support. However, her party now signals a potential shift in stance. According to recent polls, 53% of French citizens are in favor of a government change, while Barnier’s approval rating stands at just 36%.
The current government, formed in September after the summer’s early parliamentary elections, came as a surprise. While the left-wing “New People’s Front” coalition emerged as the largest, Macron bypassed them and appointed Barnier, a member of the center-right Republicans party, which had finished fourth.
Initially, Le Pen’s party played a key role in supporting the government in parliament, including in the defeat of the earlier no-confidence vote. As such, Le Pen’s stance remains crucial.
This political instability could have repercussions for Ukraine, as the delay in adopting a budget could stall vital financial aid for Kyiv. Additionally, it diminishes Macron’s influence, particularly on matters such as military support for Ukraine—an issue where Le Pen and the “New People’s Front” are not aligned with the president’s stance.
