The future for French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government looks bleak, with his struggles to push the 2025 budget through a polarised parliament increasingly likely to end in the toppling of his fragile coalition.

French MPs have spent weeks debating the Barnier government’s hastily prepared budget, which includes €40 billion in spending cuts and €20 billion in tax hikes. The bill aims to reduce the French budget deficit, which is projected to hit 6.1 percent of gross domestic product in 2024.

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces a significant political challenge as his budget proposal encounters resistance in a divided parliament. His coalition could collapse if a no-confidence motion is pushed by opponents,

By Harry Robertson and Amanda Cooper LONDON (Reuters) -French stocks and bonds fell sharply on Wednesday, driving the premium the government pays for long-term borrowing to its highest since the euro zone debt crisis of 2012,

“This is a very serious moment,” Barnier said in an interview with French broadcaster TF1. PARIS — French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said Tuesday that France could face fiscal calamity should lawmakers decide to topple his government over a budget dispute.