Economy
France's 2025 budget crisis: Barnier invokes Article 49.3 - What now?
French PM Michel Barnier has invoked Article 49.3 to pass budget measures without parliamentary approval, risking a no-confidence vote. Opposition, led by Marine Le Pen, demanded the indexation of pensions to inflation. Markets react with bond spreads widening and CAC 40 falling.
Economy
What do economists think of France's emergency debt crisis budget?
France's 2025 budget plan targets €60bn in spending cuts and tax hikes to reduce the deficit to 5% of GDP. However, economists remain sceptical, with some forecasting a higher deficit and lower growth, raising concerns about the sustainability of tax-driven consolidation.