Author: Lisa Louis

France’s New Prime Minister Faces Budget Battle Michel Barnier, France’s newly appointed Prime Minister, is grappling with the challenge of passing the 2025 budget through a parliament where he lacks a majority. The pressure is mounting, with this year’s budget deficit now exceeding predictions at 6% of the country’s economic output. Barnier highlighted the issue in his recent policy speech, emphasizing the urgent need for action. President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier after delays, causing a delay in presenting the budget plans to parliament. Debt Surge Explained The rise in France’s public debt to €3.2 trillion can be traced back to…

President Macron’s decision to dissolve France’s National Assembly after a defeat in EU parliamentary elections sent shockwaves through the financial market, with stock prices tumbling and interest rates rising. The upcoming legislative elections are causing anxiety among investors, as parties like the far-right National Rally (RN) and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) are promising substantial policy changes. Despite both sides offering spending measures to boost the economy, investors seem to favor the RN’s economic platform over the NFP’s. The RN plans to exit the EU electricity market and reduce France’s contribution to the EU budget, while the NFP aims…

The Rise of the Far-Right in France’s Cher Department In the Cher department of central France, a stronghold of the left since World War II, a surprising shift occurred during the recent parliamentary elections. Candidates from the far-right National Rally (RN) led in all three constituencies, marking a significant departure from the region’s communist past. New Voting Trends The RN’s victory is attributed to economic concerns and immigration issues. RN candidate Bastian Duenas, emphasizing French interests, proposed economic measures to revitalize the area. Young supporters like Herman Caquais and Jules Pelladoni echoed a desire for a “great” France and stricter…

President Macron’s decision to dissolve France’s National Assembly created financial turmoil after his party’s defeat in the European parliamentary elections. The announcement resulted in a drop in the stock market index CAC 40 and a rise in interest rates for French public debt. The upcoming snap legislative elections have left investors uneasy with the RN and NFP leading the polls. Despite both parties promising measures to increase purchasing power, concerns about France’s public debt and budget deficit remain. The market seems to prefer the RN’s economic platform over the NFP’s due to their views on the EU and international trade…