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France faces threat of new political crisis

10:30
France faces threat of new political crisis
By: Sahili Aya
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France is once again on the verge of political instability as Prime Minister François Bayrou struggles to keep his government afloat. With a vote of confidence scheduled for September 8, the opposition is already preparing for a possible post-Bayrou era.

Speaking at a major trade union event, Bayrou called on lawmakers to decide “whether they stand on the side of chaos or responsibility,” urging them to support his budgetary program. His government, only eight months old, faces the same challenge that brought down its predecessor: the inability to secure parliamentary approval for the national budget.

The €44 billion savings plan has been rejected both by political rivals and a large part of public opinion. Protests are already being planned for September 10, while the Socialist Party has confirmed it will vote against Bayrou’s government, eliminating hopes for a compromise.

Opposition leaders, such as far-right figure Jordan Bardella, have called on President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve parliament or resign, deepening the uncertainty.

The crisis is taking a toll on financial markets: Paris stocks fell sharply this week, while French borrowing costs increased. With public debt representing nearly 114% of GDP, France risks sliding into deeper economic trouble if the stalemate persists.



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