Economist Podcasts Liberté, égalité, désordre: chaos in France
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Oct 8, 2025 
Sophie Pedder, the Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the whirlwind of political upheaval in France, including the abrupt resignation of the newly-appointed prime minister. She explores President Macron's urgent call for a budget plan amid a split parliament causing gridlock. The economic fallout of this uncertainty is significant, with businesses hesitating to invest. Pedder also examines the risks of snap elections and the mounting pressure on Macron as critics push for his resignation.
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Parliamentary Deadlock Fuels Political Instability
- France's parliament is stuck in a three-way split that produces chronic deadlock and frequent government collapses.
- That instability has lasted over a year and has prevented coherent coalition-building or policy continuity.
Negotiate Quickly Or Risk Snap Elections
- If Macron cannot broker a deal quickly, he will likely call fresh parliamentary elections which risk boosting the far right.
- Avoiding snap elections requires concessions from multiple parties to form any working agreement.
Uncertainty Is Suppressing Investment And Spending
- Political uncertainty is raising France's household saving rate and depressing business investment.
- Firms pause hiring and investments because the political outlook makes long-term planning risky.
