The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of the French political landscape, given the lack of a clear consensus, mounting economic pressures, and an opposition poised for elections at any moment.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the far-right French politician who founded and led the Front National for nearly four decades, died yesterday at the age of 96.

The series of consultations launched by French President Emmanuel Macron with the main political forces finally ended with the announcement of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister.

It marks the first time in its 50-year history that the main far-right party has not been led by a Le Pen, but Marine Le Pen remains the source of real power and she is still the likely candidate in the next presidential election in 2027.