France What’s next for Macron and who could become France’s next PM? After François Bayrou’s downfall, Emmanuel Macron faces the tough decision of whether to find a fifth prime minister in under two years or call for snap elections. 09/09/2025
France French PM François Bayrou loses crucial confidence vote in parliament The centrist leader, who became France’s fourth head of government in less than two years, lost his gamble after calling an unprecedented confidence vote over his austerity plans to rein in the country’s ballooning public deficit. 08/09/2025
France French political crisis threatens country's influence over the EU France’s political paralysis is shaking the EU: chronic instability and unpopular budget cuts weaken Paris’ influence just as Italy under Meloni gains ground, pushing for key EU roles and shaping the bloc’s future while France struggles at home. 08/09/2025
Economy France’s confidence vote rattles bonds, leaves stocks unmoved While equities shrugged off the latest political drama in Paris, the bond market’s sharp move higher could indicate investors are bracing for a deeper test of Europe’s fiscal stability. 08/09/2025
World News François Bayrou’s government set to topple this week Barring a major surprise, François Bayrou’s government is expected to fall this week, with calls for a nationwide blockade on Wednesday also underway. 07/09/2025
Europe News What are the consequences for the EU of political upheaval in France? The possible fall of the government could weaken France on the European stage. 05/09/2025
France French PM Bayrou's marathon talks unlikely to avert no-confidence vote French PM François Bayrou is meeting political leaders to avoid a no-confidence vote on 8 September, but opposition remains strong, casting doubt on his success. 02/09/2025
France What's next for France as PM Bayrou faces government collapse? French Prime Minister François Bayrou risks losing a crucial confidence vote in parliament next Monday. The outcome could trigger government collapse, budget plan delays, or even snap elections. 01/09/2025
Economy Rome denies French PM Bayrou's 'unfounded' tax dumping claims Francois Bayrou, in an interview with French media on Sunday, accused Italy of fiscal dumping. The Italian government denied it, while members of the key parties criticised the attack, defending the soundness and attractiveness of their tax system. 01/09/2025
EuroVerify Who's behind calls for a 10 September nationwide shutdown in France? Calls to "shut down France" first emerged in fringe online groups. They're now being espoused by the political mainstream. 01/09/2025
France France's far-left leader Melenchon again demands Macron's impeachment Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of far-left party France Unbowed, said he will introduce a new motion to demand Emmanuel Macron's impeachment. 26/08/2025
France French PM risks cabinet collapse with confidence vote over budget plan Bayrou seeks a confidence vote for €43.8 billion budget cuts in early September, risking another cabinet collapse if opposition parties follow through on threats to vote against him. 26/08/2025
Europe News French PM launches podcast to defend his 2026 budget cuts Under fire for his unpopular €44-billion savings plan, PM François Bayrou has decided to turn to YouTube and a podcast series to try to convince the French public. 05/08/2025
EuroVerify Fact check: Which European country has the most public holidays? A proposal by France's prime minister to get rid of two public holidays has prompted a discussion as to where in Europe workers get the most additional days off. 21/07/2025
Economy French PM proposes slashing two public holidays to reduce deficit France’s public deficit hit 5.8% of GDP in 2024, totalling €168.6 billion, a figure well above the maximum allowed by EU rules. 15/07/2025
Europe News French PM Bayrou denies covering up Catholic school abuse scandal French Prime Minister François Bayrou faced a high-stakes parliamentary hearing on Wednesday evening, testifying under oath about what he knew or didn't know regarding decades of alleged abuse at a Catholic school in southwestern France. 15/05/2025