Economist Podcasts Go, fourth? France likely to lose another PM
68 snips
Sep 8, 2025 
Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, and Simon Cox, the China economics editor, explore France's political chaos, debating a likely prime ministerial exit due to public dissatisfaction and a thwarted budget. They discuss the implications of Macron's dissolved parliament and the brewing protests against economic hardship. Additionally, they delve into China's economy, emphasizing the need for pension reforms to revive consumer spending amidst a downturn. The conversation wraps up with an intriguing look at the trend of speeding up audio content consumption.
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Parliamentary Fragmentation Breeds Gridlock
- France's repeated dissolutions and shifting support left and right have produced parliamentary paralysis and frequent government changes.
- The 2026 budget fight exemplifies how a fragmented assembly blocks necessary deficit-reduction measures.
Budget Cuts Spark Political Rebellion
- The government's proposed €44bn savings package, including removing two public holidays, met fierce parliamentary backlash.
- A minority prime minister faced near-certain loss of confidence because MPs reject these specific cuts.
Three-Way Split Blocks Compromise
- Parliament splits into three hostile blocs: Macron's centrists, the far left, and the far right, which hampers compromise.
- The far left and far right tacitly align to block Macron's agenda rather than craft alternatives.
