Mariama Darame

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French budget minister: 'France cannot go an entire year without a budget'

With the French government at risk of collapsing, Amélie de Montchalin says in an interview that the deadline to submit a draft budget to the Assemblée Nationale is October 13. Any later and a special law would be required to avoid a shutdown, which she sees as a problematic last resort.

Published on September 2, 2025, at 4:05 pm (Paris) Denis Cosnard Mariama Darame

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French PM Bayrou still hopes for shift in public opinion as confidence vote nears

'I am absolutely convinced that things can change,' said French Prime Minister François Bayrou on Sunday, ahead of a new round of talks with political parties. Opposition parties, however, reaffirmed their determination to bring down the government.

Published on September 1, 2025, at 10:13 am (Paris), updated on September 1, 2025, at 11:12 am Mariama Darame

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Macron faces risk of destabilized presidency as PM Bayrou expected to fall

The French president has ruled out resigning or dissolving the Assemblée Nationale, the latter of which some in his camp see as inevitable. Mounting opposition pressure, the specter of a major social movement and the need to pass the budget before December 31 are forcing him to act quickly.

Published on August 30, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris), updated on August 30, 2025, at 7:31 pm Mariama Darame

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French PM Bayrou's strategy comes under fire ahead of confidence vote

François Bayrou continues to bank on education and a public opinion shift to convince lawmakers before the September 8 confidence vote. While he'll hold meetings with party leaders starting September 1, he has made no announcements or outlined any specific avenues for compromise.

Published on August 28, 2025, at 10:51 am (Paris), updated on August 28, 2025, at 12:03 pm Mariama Darame

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French PM Bayrou scrambles to rally destabilized camp ahead of confidence vote

Some members of the governing alliance have been left bewildered, seeing Bayrou's move as an impossible gamble. Many lawmakers in Macron's coalition are already anticipating another political crisis.

Published on August 27, 2025, at 10:44 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Marie Pouzadoux

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French PM Bayrou turns to confidence vote to defuse 2026 budget defeat

François Bayrou has called for a vote of confidence in his government on September 8 in the Assemblée Nationale, saying he seeks 'clarification.' But his fall seems all but certain, as both the left and the far right have already announced they will vote against him.

Published on August 26, 2025, at 11:05 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Corentin Lesueur

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Macron vows to 'defend my honor' amid viral smear campaign against his wife

The French president addressed the false claim that his wife, Brigitte Macron, was born a man in an interview with 'Paris Match.' He said he was prepared to pursue legal action 'all the way' to ensure the main spreaders of the lie are held accountable.

Published on August 21, 2025, at 11:20 am (Paris) Mariama Darame

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Ahead of Ukraine talks in Washington, Macron calls for 'new diplomatic phase'

The French president expressed concern at the 'extremely serious context, both for Ukraine and for the security of all Europe.' Like several of his European counterparts, he is set to join Zelensky at a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House.

Published on August 18, 2025, at 11:37 am (Paris) Mariama Darame

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France's Constitutional Council partially blocks Duplomb Law, yet political battles continue

The right to live in a healthy environment, a core principle of the French Environmental Charter, was invoked by the Constitutional Council to strike down the law's most emblematic article on neonicotinoids. This decision is a blow to the government, which has struggled to resolve the ongoing agricultural crisis.

Published on August 8, 2025, at 11:01 am (Paris), updated on August 8, 2025, at 11:04 am Mariama Darame Mathilde Gérard

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2026 budget: PM Bayrou stands alone in the spotlight to defend his unpopular measures

French Prime Minister François Bayrou released a YouTube video on Tuesday titled 'FB Direct.' In the 'direct communication' operation, he amplified the threat of 'overindebtedness,' calling it 'an evil' threat to France's 'survival.'

Published on August 6, 2025, at 12:00 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame

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Macron can't run in 2027, but he is hinting at a return in 2032

At a rally of his party's young members, Macron called on them to support him for the next 10 years. But he risks weakening his allies in the 2027 presidential election, in which he cannot run.

Published on July 11, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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The fate of France's prime minister is in the far right's hands – again

Prime Minister François Bayrou, who has no majority in Parliament, has lost the Socialists' 'indulgence.' Now, if the far-right Rassemblement National were to back a vote of no confidence, he would fall, like his predecessor Michel Barnier.

Published on July 1, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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French PM Bayrou pushes pensions debate to autumn in attempt to buy time

To downplay the failure of the French government's 'conclave' on pensions, the prime minister announced he would incorporate the measures agreed upon by labor unions and employers' organizations into the 2026 budget.

Published on June 27, 2025, at 11:04 am (Paris), updated on June 27, 2025, at 11:59 am Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Former French PM Gabriel Attal: 'I do not see a shared vision for society' with conservatives

Economically liberal, tough on state authority and progressive on social issues... The former French prime minister, now leading Macron's party Renaissance, lays out for Le Monde the political direction he hopes to champion for 2027.

Published on June 27, 2025, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on June 27, 2025, at 10:55 am Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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What remains of France's 'republican front' against the far right?

In the snap elections of July 2024, left-wing parties and President Emmanuel Macron's supporters made concerted efforts to block the far right's advances in as many districts as possible. One year on, the center seems more tempted to ally itself with the right, against Jean-Luc Mélenchon's radical left.

Published on June 10, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on June 10, 2025, at 10:56 am Mariama Darame

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One year on, Macron remains entangled by fallout of rash snap elections

The French president's decision to call snap parliamentary elections on the evening of the European elections was meant to clarify public debate and avoid political paralysis. Instead, it exacerbated France's political and economic challenges.

Published on June 9, 2025, at 8:00 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Former French PM faces backlash over proposal to ban headscarves for children

Gabriel Attal, the head of President Macron's party, said he wanted to ban under-15s from wearing Muslim headscarves in public spaces. In response, there has been an outcry across the political spectrum, except on the far right.

Published on May 26, 2025, at 4:41 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Emmanuel Macron, a jack-of-all-trades president confronted with his inability to act

In a televised debate aimed at letting him take back control, the French president spoke on a range of topics, from security to the war Ukraine. While he was expected to announce a referendum, he chose not to commit to anything 'too precisely.'

Published on May 14, 2025, at 11:49 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Macron seeks to re-engage in domestic scene and 'address concerns' of nation

French President Emmanuel Macron is considering announcing a referendum during a two-hour TV interview on Tuesday, May 13.

Published on May 6, 2025, at 8:36 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame

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Lowering of flags for Pope Francis reignites secularism debate in France

Some left-wing political leaders have condemned what they see as a breach of France's neutrality principle. While some mayors refuse to follow the directive, far-right and right-wing officials have obeyed the national instructions.

Published on April 26, 2025, at 6:00 pm (Paris) Robin D’Angelo, Mariama Darame, Benoît Floc’h and Nathalie Segaunes

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French government divided over proposal to raise tax on the wealthy

In the name of tax justice, Minister of Economy and Finance Eric Lombard, has proposed making a temporary tax on the wealthy 'permanent.' Macron's camp is firmly opposed to the idea.

Published on April 18, 2025, at 3:02 pm (Paris), updated on April 22, 2025, at 2:02 pm Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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French government fears political repercussions after Le Pen's conviction

French Prime Minister François Bayrou said he was 'troubled' on Tuesday by the five-year ban on running for office handed down to far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

Published on April 1, 2025, at 10:41 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria worsens

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced the start of a 'graduated response' by France following Algeria's refusal to accept a list of people to be deported.

Published on March 18, 2025, at 3:13 pm (Paris) Frédéric Bobin Mariama Darame Julia Pascual

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Macron seizes on international situation to return to political limelight in France

On March 13, the French president will convene the prime minister and seven other ministers at the Elysée Palace to discuss defense spending. Nine months after his failed dissolution of the Assemblée, he has returned to the national political scene.

Published on March 12, 2025, at 11:37 am (Paris), updated on March 12, 2025, at 12:11 pm Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Macron calls on France's 'strength of soul' against 'Russian threat'

In a solemn address on Ukraine and European defense, the French president promised a major budgetary effort and called for a national reflection on 'the solutions of tomorrow.'

Published on March 6, 2025, at 10:25 am (Paris), updated on March 6, 2025, at 12:46 pm Mariama Darame Philippe Ricard Nathalie Segaunes

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How Trumpism is permeating French politics

Despite strong rejection by public opinion, some on the right and far right intend to apply the American president's methods in France: brutalizing the debate, challenging the rule of law, and calling for a smaller state.

Published on March 3, 2025, at 12:30 pm (Paris), updated on May 26, 2025, at 11:41 am Mariama Darame

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On Ukraine, Macron attempts to prepare public opinion for an unprecedented war effort

The president had gathered political leaders at the Elysée on Thursday to discuss the geopolitical context, now rocked by Donald Trump's rapprochement with Russia, before flying to Washington on Sunday.

Published on February 21, 2025, at 11:31 am (Paris) Alexandre Pedro Mariama Darame

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French PM destabilized by school abuse scandal ahead of another crucial week

Prime Minister François Bayrou has said he was unaware of the abuses committed at a Catholic school near the city of which he is mayor, though press reports suggest otherwise. He is likely to face a no-confidence motion over the issue.

Published on February 15, 2025, at 5:33 pm (Paris), updated on April 24, 2025, at 2:43 pm Mariama Darame

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French voters' mistrust of politics aggravated since snap elections, gap with neighbors widens

France appears to be an island of pessimism, according to a political confidence barometer published by Cevipof on February 11, while Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, which are also going through turbulent times, have kept up a much higher level of confidence.

Published on February 12, 2025, at 4:22 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame

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Macron takes to the international stage

Addressing military personnel on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the 'threats' that are 'accumulating' against Europe as Donald Trump took office in Washington.

Published on January 22, 2025, at 4:04 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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How PM Bayrou managed to detach the Socialists from the left-wing coalition

On Thursday, Parti Socialiste MPs decided to vote against the motion of no confidence submitted by their radical-left allies and supported by the Greens and the Communists. Socialist leader Olivier Faure nonetheless pledged to embody 'a left that makes the government yield.'

Published on January 17, 2025, at 11:13 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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PM Bayrou disappoints left and fails to inspire his own bloc in policy speech

French Prime Minister François Bayrou announced he was open to new talks on pensions, but did not suspend the previous reform. La France Insoumise, the Greens and the Communists have introduced a no-confidence motion, while the Socialists are divided.

Published on January 15, 2025, at 11:14 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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After decades on the sidelines of French politics, PM Bayrou grapples with being in charge

For 30 years François Bayrou was a man of analysis and commentary. On Tuesday, he will make his government policy statement to Parliament, in which he will lay out his priorities as prime minister.

Published on January 13, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Macron tries to charm Musk, while accusing him of being 'reactionary'

The French president hopes that his relative closeness to the billionaire will put him in a better position of influence than other European leaders.

Published on January 11, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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French PM Bayrou already under fire from critics

The new prime minister has been criticized for his response to the cyclone that hit the overseas territory of Mayotte and for his insistence on keeping his office as mayor of Pau.

Published on December 18, 2024, at 11:16 am (Paris), updated on December 18, 2024, at 1:37 pm Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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François Bayrou's tough task: Forming a big-tent government

On Monday and Tuesday, the new French prime minister is meeting with parties, including the far right. His goal: Drafting the 2025 budget and forging an agreement with the left to avoid a new no-confidence vote.

Published on December 16, 2024, at 5:00 pm (Paris), updated on December 16, 2024, at 5:15 pm Mariama Darame

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Barnier's downfall: The day of a foregone failure

The left and the far right came together to overthrow the shortest-serving prime minister in the French Fifth Republic.

Published on December 5, 2024, at 10:58 am (Paris) Mariama Darame Rachel Garrat-Valcarcel

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From Barnier's use of Article 49.3 to two no-confidence motions: A day of upheaval at the Assemblée Nationale

On Monday, the prime minister forced the social security budget bill through the Assemblée without a vote. In response, the left and the far right tabled motions of no confidence. Barnier's government could be toppled on Wednesday.

Published on December 3, 2024, at 11:08 am (Paris), updated on December 5, 2024, at 9:46 am Mariama Darame

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'We spent a lot.' How two years of denial led to France's budget crisis

A parliamentary inquiry commission will look into the country's 'public finance slippage.' It will have to retrace the chain of errors and political decisions that led to 2024's predicted 6.1% deficit.

Published on October 17, 2024, at 12:09 pm (Paris), updated on October 17, 2024, at 2:19 pm Mariama Darame Nathalie Segaunes

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Motion to impeach Macron rejected by Parliament committee

The motion had little support outside of the radical left party La France Insoumise.

Published on October 2, 2024, at 9:02 pm (Paris) Mariama Darame

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