French Far Right's Budget Ultimatum Sparks Political Turmoil

France's far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, has threatened to support a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government if their demands for budget concessions are not met by Monday. The party opposes tax hikes and spending cuts in the proposed 2025 budget, which they argue will harm French households and businesses. The political standoff could lead to significant financial market volatility and further complicate France's fiscal challenges, with potential implications for the euro zone's economic stability.