French PM Barnier abandons electricity price rise in attempt to calm the far right

The French government has promised to scrap proposed tax increases on electricity as it scrambles to calm its far-right rivals and prevent a political crisis that could mean the prime minister, Michel Barnier, toppled in a no-confidence vote as early as next week.

- Angelique Chrisafis

"I've decided not to raise taxes on electricity," Barnier told Le Figaro, in a major concession to political opposition groups who are threatening to bring down the unpopular government over its belt-tightening budget.

Politicians are locked in a standoff over the 2025 budget which seeks to tackle France's growing public deficit through €60bn (£50bn) in tax increases and spending cuts. The government could collapse if Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party joins parties on the left in a no-confidence vote in parliament.