Why France’s Political and Budget Drama Is Spooking Investors

  • French PM faces risky no-confidence votes in coming weeks
  • Marine Le Pen steps up threats to bring down the government

Michel Barnier speaks at the National Assembly in Paris in October.

Photographer: Thomas Samson/AFP/Getty Images
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France’s efforts to repair its public finances are threatening a new political and financial crisis, prompting investors to sell some of the nation’s assets.

Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s attempts to stem the nation’s rising debt are faltering as opposition lawmakers threaten to eject him from office in order to stymie the 2025 budget bill.