Budget negotiations are often tense, but in France, a political storm is brewing over more than just economic policies.
Controversial remarks by Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on immigration have now derailed discussions, putting the country’s financial plans at risk.
As reported by HotNews.ro, the Socialist Party suspended its participation in budget talks after Bayrou stated in a televised interview that there was a "sense of an invasion" of immigrants in France.
Socialist lawmakers condemned the comments as inappropriate and have since put the negotiations on hold.
A Fragile Political Balance
Without Socialist support, Bayrou may struggle to pass the budget, which includes deficit-reduction measures required by the European Union.
The political uncertainty only deepens France’s prolonged government crisis, which has already seen the downfall of the previous prime minister, Michel Barnier.
Unlike Barnier, who sought alliances with Marine Le Pen’s far-right party, Bayrou has been relying on Socialist backing.
To secure their support, he has reopened discussions on pension reform and abandoned previous plans to cut education jobs.
Rising Tensions and Political Uncertainty
While the prime minister recently survived a no-confidence vote with Socialist backing, party leaders now warn they may reconsider their stance if no agreement on the budget is reached.
Among their demands are a minimum wage increase and greater investments in climate transition policies.
With a deadline looming at the end of next month, Bayrou’s government must find a way to repair relations—or risk further instability in an already fragile political landscape.
