The drama is developing at Paris as deficits soar and the walls close in on an unpopular president whose miscalculations are starting to add up.

The end of Michel Barnier’s government looks inevitable, even imminent, and would add to the country’s political malaise. The only question seems to be: How long can he last?

Good morning. Marine Le Pen’s party pledges to topple the French government. How a billionaire’s “baby project” ensnared dozens of women. And the white sands and azure waters of St. Tropez are a luxury hotel brand’s next target.

Marine Le Pen’s party will bring down the French government over its “budget of punishment” unless there is a “last-minute miracle”. Jordan Bardella, the president of National Rally (RN), said the party would trigger a no-confidence vote without concessions from prime minister Michel Barnier by 2pm on Monday.

President Emmanuel Macron called on French lawmakers to set aside their personal ambition and reject a vote that would topple the government and throw the country into political turmoil.

French lawmakers said they tabled a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Monday, setting up a vote that could see the far right topple his government within days.

French lawmakers will vote on Wednesday on no-confidence motions which are all but certain to oust the fragile coalition of Michel Barnier, deepening the political crisis in the euro zone's second-largest economy.