France’s PM François Bayrou has unveiled a sweeping €44 billion budget-cutting plan for 2026—freezing most public spending, eliminating two holiday leave days, and enforcing an “année blanche” on welfare and pensions—which has triggered fierce criticism from both left and right, with threats of a no-confidence motion looming. Opponents—including the Socialists, RN, and LFI—denounce the measures as brutal, unfairly burdening workers, retirees, and low-income households. Philip Turle has the analysis.
