French right-wing leader Marine Le Pen warned on Wednesday that her National Rally (RN) party could seek to topple Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s fragile coalition government if her party’s concerns about the cost of living are not addressed in the 2025 budget.
Le Pen’s threat comes as she faces a major legal challenge, with prosecutors seeking a five-year ban from public office over alleged involvement in embezzling EU funds. She denies the allegations, and if convicted, the ban could prevent her from running in the 2027 presidential election—a race many believe she could win.
“We will not accept that the purchasing power of the French be once again hit. This is a red line and if this red line is crossed, we will vote no-confidence,” Le Pen stated in an interview with RTL radio.
As Barnier navigates a sharply divided parliament, he has hinted at invoking article 49.3 of the constitution to push the budget through without a vote, a move that would likely provoke a no-confidence motion. This would give the RN and left-wing factions the opportunity to bring down the government.
Le Pen also criticized the government’s proposed budget, opposing tax increases on households, entrepreneurs, and pensioners, which she argued have not been adequately addressed in the current budget draft.
When asked about Le Pen’s threat, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot responded on CNews television, “Those who would topple the government will deprive the country of a budget and create disorder and chaos.”
Le Pen also expressed support for the far-left LFI party’s proposal to abandon President Emmanuel Macron’s pension reform. Left-wing lawmakers in the lower house have indicated they will also push for a no-confidence vote against the government. To survive, Barnier needs the RN to abstain from voting. While some RN members have suggested they may not cooperate, party leader Jordan Bardella said the final decision will depend on whether the final budget reflects their demands.
