French Prime Minister Barnier Faces No-Confidence Threat

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier's newly formed cabinet faces immediate threats of no-confidence motions from both left and far-right factions following a protracted period without a functioning government. The recent elections left the leftist coalition, New Popular Front, with the most seats but without a majority, while the far-right National Rally emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly. Barnier's government, described as a shift to the right, has already sparked protests and criticisms for lacking leftist representation, with far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon labeling it as a government of 'general election losers'. Thousands took to the streets in Paris to denounce what they perceive as a disregard for the electoral results. Amid this tumult, Barnier aims to address France's financial situation through a proposed 'national effort' and has expressed a need for government cohesion and compromise. The political landscape remains precarious as Barnier prepares to present the 2025 budget, a crucial test for his administration's stability.