France's Socialists have thrown down the gauntlet, threatening to file a no-confidence bill by Monday unless Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government agrees to tax billionaires more. Party leader Olivier Faure called the current budget 'unbearable,' arguing it unfairly targets retirees, youth, and families while sparing the ultra-wealthy. 💸
Alliance of Convenience? 🤝
With France's parliament deeply divided, the Socialists could team up with far-left and far-right factions to oust Lecornu's minority government. Though the PM initially won support by scrapping pension reforms, the left now smells blood—and bigger concessions—as budget talks heat up.
Economic Jitters Loom 📉
The political drama comes as France's economy falters: October business activity dipped sharply, and Moody's may downgrade French debt after S&P's recent surprise move. Lecornu aims to slash next year's deficit to 4.7% of GDP via €30B+ cuts, but critics say his math doesn't add up for working-class citizens.
What’s Next? 🗓️
All eyes are on Monday's deadline. If talks collapse, France could face fresh elections—or more gridlock. The income tax vote on November 4 and Senate negotiations will test whether 'compromise' is still in Paris’s political vocabulary.
