Barnier's Budget Concession Faces Far-Right Threat in France

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier made a last-minute concession to the far-right National Rally by pledging not to stop reimbursing patients for certain drugs, in a bid to secure their support for the social security budget vote. Barnier's minority government lacks the votes to pass the budget without the far-right's tacit support, and faces the risk of a no-confidence motion that could topple the administration. This move is part of Barnier's strategy to maintain power amid a fragile coalition and growing opposition.