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Sébastien Lecornu, appointed France's fifth prime minister in two years, is tasked with passing a contentious budget amid political fragmentation and protests. His challenge is to navigate a divided parliament and opposition protests over fiscal reforms and deficit reduction measures.
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On September 18, 2025, hundreds of thousands of protesters across France staged strikes and demonstrations against proposed austerity measures under new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Unions oppose budget cuts, social welfare freezes, and pension reforms raising retirement age from 62 to 64. The government deployed 80,000 police to maintain order amid disruptions in transport, schools, and healthcare.
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On October 4, 2025, Andrej Babiš's ANO party won the Czech parliamentary election with 34.5% of the vote but fell short of a majority. Babiš plans to form a minority government supported by far-right and populist parties opposing EU climate and migration policies. His victory signals a potential shift in Czech foreign policy closer to Hungary and Slovakia's pro-Russian stance, raising questions about continued support for Ukraine and EU relations.
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Israeli diaspora minister Amichai Chikli invited Tommy Robinson, a far-right UK activist with criminal convictions, to visit Israel following a Manchester synagogue attack. The move has sparked condemnation from British Jewish groups and politicians, citing Robinson's history of extremism and criminality. Robinson plans to visit Israel later this month.
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On October 6, 2025, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu resigned hours after unveiling his cabinet, which largely mirrored his predecessor's. His resignation follows fierce opposition from both left and right factions, including Les Républicains and the Socialist Party, over the government's austerity budget plans and perceived continuity with Macron's policies. Lecornu's departure deepens France's political deadlock.
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As of October 9, 2025, France remains mired in political deadlock following Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's unprecedented resignation just 14 hours after forming his cabinet. President Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure amid a hung parliament and spiraling debt crisis, with no clear majority to pass the budget. Macron is expected to appoint a new prime minister within 48 hours to stabilize governance.
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France faces ongoing political instability as Prime Minister Lecornu's new cabinet struggles to pass a 2026 draft budget amid opposition and deadlock. Macron's efforts to stabilize government are challenged by opposition parties demanding elections or resignation, with the parliament divided and support uncertain.
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On October 21, 2025, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving a five-year prison sentence at La Santé prison in Paris. Convicted of criminal conspiracy for allegedly seeking illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 presidential campaign, Sarkozy denies wrongdoing and has appealed. He is held in solitary confinement under high-security conditions and plans to write a book during incarceration.
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Recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges for Reform UK, including allegations of Russian influence, internal conflicts, and political violence. Key figures like Nigel Farage and allies are under scrutiny amid accusations of links to Kremlin funding and inflammatory rhetoric, raising questions about the party's future and influence.
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French Prime Minister Lecornu narrowly avoided ousting after parliament rejected motions to topple his government amid political deadlock. He suspended pension reform until 2027 to secure support for the 2026 budget, facing opposition from both the far-left and far-right. Macron's second term remains fragile as parliament remains divided.
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On 25 November 2025, the UK government announced sweeping asylum reforms inspired by Denmark's strict system. Refugee status will be temporary, reviewed every 30 months, with a 20-year wait for permanent settlement. The government plans to remove support for asylum seekers able to work and forcibly remove families, including children, sparking backlash from Labour MPs, refugee groups, and campaigners.
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The UK is implementing strict refugee policies inspired by Denmark, including shorter residence rights, asset seizures, and frequent status reviews. Critics warn these measures could increase racism and harm integration, echoing Denmark's experience of rising far-right support and social division.