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French Prime Minister Bayrou faces a confidence vote on a controversial €43.8 billion budget cut aimed at reducing the country's deficit. This risky move, made just days before a planned national shutdown, is met with opposition from across the political spectrum, including far-left, center-left, and far-right parties. The stock market reacted negatively, with the CAC40 dropping significantly. High government bond yields signal growing concerns about France's financial stability and potential debt crisis, mirroring similar situations in Greece. Bayrou's plan aims to lower the deficit to 3% of GDP by 2029, in accordance with EU rules.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.