France's challenges are far from over, however, with the country facing acute fiscal challenges and an ongoing threat posed by the far-right National Rally opposition, led by Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen. France this week asked the Commission to extend its deadline of Sept. 20 to submit debt reduction proposals. Analysts say Barnier's political survival therefore "depends on the whims and personal-political calculations of Le Pen." "The great unknown ... is how far Le Pen will be willing to address the most immediate crisis facing Barnier and the country: the painful choices needed to prevent France from plunging into a destructive fiscal crisis by the end of this year," he said. Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella at the final rally before the June 9 European Parliament election, held at Le Dôme de Paris - Palais des Sports, on June 2, 2024.

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