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The Briefing

A storm in Paris and sabotage in the Baltic Sea

Nov 28, 2024
Philippe Lemay-Lia, a Professor of French and European Politics, discusses the political turmoil in France as Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces potential backlash over an unpopular budget. Alessio Patalano, an expert in Asian and maritime defense, provides insights into the alarming incidents in the Baltic Sea, where sabotage of undersea cables is traced back to China. The conversation highlights the critical need for international cooperation to safeguard vital infrastructures amid rising geopolitical tensions.
38:13

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • France's Prime Minister faces a potential no-confidence vote due to an unpopular budget that threatens the government's stability and the economy.
  • Accusations against China for sabotaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea raise concerns about regional security and geopolitical tensions in Europe.

Deep dives

France's Budget Crisis

France's Prime Minister has issued a stark warning regarding the potential collapse of his government if the upcoming budget fails to pass. The proposed budget includes significant spending cuts and tax increases, making it unpopular among the populace. The opposition parties, consisting of leftist and far-right factions, are considering a vote of no confidence, which could lead to a government transition just months after its formation. Such a collapse would exacerbate the already dire economic situation in France, characterized by a public deficit of around 6%, with implications for the broader Eurozone.

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