The Intelligence from The Economist Go, fourth? France likely to lose another PM
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Sep 8, 2025 
Sophie Petter, The Economist's Paris bureau chief, and Simon Cox, China economics editor, dive into the political chaos in France as Prime Minister Francois Bayrou faces probable ousting due to an unpopular budget. They discuss rising voter discontent and a fragmented parliament threatening reform efforts. The conversation then shifts to China, where reforms in pension and social security aim to stimulate consumer spending amid economic challenges. Lastly, they explore the debate on podcast listening speeds and how it impacts comprehension.
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Parliamentary Fragmentation Is Now Normal
- France's parliament became more fragmented after Macron dissolved it and lost seats, leaving a minority government unable to pass major reforms.
- This repeated fragmentation has turned parliamentary impasse into a new normal, raising political uncertainty.
Budget Cuts Spark Political Backlash
- The government's 44 billion euro savings package, including abolishing two public holidays, provoked strong parliamentary backlash.
- François Bayrou faced certain defeat in a confidence vote because his minority cabinet lacked support for those cuts.
Three-Bloc Gridlock Blocks Reform
- Parliament now splits into three hostile blocs: the far left, the far right, and Macron's centrists, blocking compromise.
- The far left and far right have formed an uneasy alliance to frustrate Macron's agenda rather than propose unified alternatives.
