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The UK government is considering reforms to business rates to stimulate growth amid industry pressure and recent rate hikes. Simultaneously, policies affecting international students and university funding threaten regional economies and public finances, highlighting ongoing economic and educational tensions.
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Mass protests across France on September 10-11, 2025, challenged Macron's government amid political instability and austerity measures. Demonstrators clashed with police, causing arrests and disruptions, as the new prime minister faced immediate unrest following the government’s collapse and Macron’s appointment of Lecornu.
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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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France's credit rating was downgraded by Fitch from AA- to A+ due to political instability and fiscal challenges. The move follows the resignation of Prime Minister François Bayrou after a confidence vote over austerity measures. The new government, led by Sébastien Lecornu, faces hurdles in passing a budget and stabilizing public debt amid rising bond yields and economic pressures. Today's date: Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:21:04 +0100.
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French economist Gabriel Zucman proposed a 2% wealth tax on assets over €100m, aiming to address wealth inequality. LVMH's Bernard Arnault strongly opposes the plan, claiming it threatens the French economy. The debate has intensified amid political pressure and protests over budget cuts.
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France and Greece are experiencing large-scale protests over government plans to introduce longer working hours and austerity measures. France's nationwide strike involves thousands protesting budget cuts and social justice issues, while Greece's general strike opposes a proposed 13-hour workday and labor law reforms. Both countries face significant public unrest today.
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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's political landscape is in turmoil as President Macron struggles to form a coalition government following a hung parliament and widespread opposition. Prime Minister Lecornu resigned after failed negotiations, prompting Macron to consider early elections. The crisis highlights ongoing instability in French politics and governance.
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As of 12 November 2025, France has suspended access to Shein's online platform following the discovery of illegal products, including childlike sex dolls and weapons. The move coincides with protests against Shein's first permanent Paris store opening. French authorities are inspecting shipments and urging EU action, while Shein pledges cooperation amid mounting political and public backlash.
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On November 26, 2025, France's Court of Cassation upheld former President Nicolas Sarkozy's definitive conviction for illegal campaign financing, confirming a one-year prison sentence with half suspended. Meanwhile, Algerian-French writer Boualem Sansal was pardoned by Algeria's President Tebboune following a humanitarian appeal from Germany, allowing Sansal to receive cancer treatment in Germany and easing Franco-Algerian tensions.