The Story Why is France in chaos again?
Sep 8, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Peter Conradi, Europe editor for The Times and The Sunday Times, offers a deep dive into the current chaos enveloping France. He reveals how Prime Minister François Bayrou's proposed budget has sparked a grassroots movement eager to 'Block everything.' Peter analyzes the implications of France's looming snap election and the potential for government collapse. He explores the rising public dissatisfaction and unrest, highlighting how these political fractures could reshape the nation’s future.
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Chronic Overspending Is The Real Problem
- France's core problem is chronic overspending with no balanced budget since 1974.
- Deep state provision and rising debt make cuts politically explosive.
Cuts Trigger Immediate Political Backlash
- Cutting public spending in France is uniquely fraught because the state delivers a huge share of GDP.
- Any reduction in services immediately provokes organised opposition from affected groups.
Give Concrete Numbers To Sell Tough Reforms
- Present specific, credible savings figures rather than abstract warnings to make reform credible.
- Expect political cost when those savings target dominant voter generations.