Latest news with #Socialists
Euronews
6 days ago
- Politics
- Euronews
Is von der Leyen ready for bruising budget battles?
It was a lacklustre victory for Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament. Many of those who supported her in the no-confidence vote did so without enthusiasm and to avoid a crisis. The Commission president's challenge now is to advance her agenda with a fragile majority and against an energized opposition. And with bruising battles ahead over the next long-term budget and a looming trade war with the US the pressure is only mounting. Can von der Leyen deliver? Questions for our guests this week: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, Irish member of the European Parliament for the Renew Europe Group, Philipp Lausberg, senior analyst at the European Policy Centre and Klaus Welle, chairman of the Academic Council at the Wilfried Martens Centre. On the surface, it was a good day for Ursula von der Leyen. A solid majority of members of the European Parliament expressed their trust in her. To achieve this result, however, the German Christian Democrat had to expend considerable political capital to buy concessions from the Socialists and Democrats to keep them on board. It worked this time, but her center-left allies made it clear that, from now on, they expect her to stick to agreed policies, for example on climate. A policy that has put von der Leyen increasingly at odds with her own EPP led by her nemesis Manfred Weber. Brussels watchers predict lively discussions on the fate of the 2040 emission targets as well as laborious budget negotiations in the months to come. The question is: how messy will it get? The second topic: The surge in migration flows from Libya that Greece is currently experiencing could easily evolve into the EU's crisis of the summer. Last week, on the island of Crete alone, almost 500 migrants arrived per day. Athens announced stricter measures, suspending asylum requests for three months. The government's goal is to discourage people in Libya from beginning the dangerous journey across the sea. But for that you need the cooperation of the Libyans. That's what an EU delegation was trying to accomplish when they were kicked out of the country by a local warlord over protocol issues. That begs the question: how serious a partner is Libya for Europe and how to deal with a failed state? Finally, the panel discussed the relationship between the EU and China that caught in a cycle of disgruntlement - and it doesn't appear to be getting any better. Restricted market access, trade imbalances or China's support of Russia in its war against Ukraine: pick your favorite dispute. That's the backdrop against the upcoming EU-China summit in Beijing next week. But as Donald Trump's shadow is looming large, some suggest Brussels should work toward a reset of relations with the Chinese. Initially, the summit was planned to run for two days in Brussels, now it's only one day in Beijing. Xi Jinping refused to come to Brussels and he will most likely not participate in the summit. Also, no joint statement is planned. What needs to be done to overcome years of frustration and scepticism?
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Explainer-French PM aims to soften opposition to his budget to avert new crisis
By Leigh Thomas PARIS (Reuters) -French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has to convince opposition Socialist lawmakers in the coming months to tolerate his 44 billion euro budget squeeze or he faces the risk of being toppled. Bayrou is bringing his 2026 budget to a fractured parliament where hard-left and far-right parties threaten no-confidence motions against him unless he makes major revisions. If he can convince the Socialists at least to abstain from backing such motions, Bayrou's minority government could get the budget through, however, meaning he must rewrite the legislation enough for them to stomach it. Politicians will be heading off for the summer break, with parliament in recess until Sept. 22, effectively giving Bayrou two months to try to soften the Socialists' resistance to his plans. BAYROU'S PROPOSAL Bayrou aims to reduce France's budget deficit, the biggest in the euro zone, from 5.4% to the European Union's 3% GDP limit by 2029. His 43.8 billion euro ($51 billion) package freezes most non-defence spending and eliminates two public holidays. Nearly 21 billion euros comes from limiting social and local government spending growth, with no inflation adjustments for public sector wages or welfare benefits. Another 10 billion euros targets high earners through a "solidarity" tax, restricts pensioner tax breaks, and cracks down on fraud. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? While politicians debate the budget over their summer break, unions are considering strike action - the hard-line CGT is in favour while the moderate CFDT has not ruled it out. The September return from the summer recess promises to be particularly tense as parties stake out positions. Bayrou must finalise his budget bill by Oct. 1 when it is to be sent to lawmakers. Without a majority, he will likely at some point invoke article 49.3 of the constitution to adopt the budget without a vote, triggering inevitable no-confidence motions. His survival would depend on the Socialists' abstention. SOCIALIST DEMANDS Socialists demand a total budget revision, arguing that the spending freeze burdens average workers and pensioners while treating the wealthy with a light touch. They have criticised Bayrou's 4 billion euro tax increase on high earners as grossly insufficient. Bayrou has signalled a willingness to adapt, but he faces constraints from allies who think France's tax burden is already excessive. The Socialists are also against plans not to replace some retiring public workers and the scrapping of two public holidays. IF BAYROU FALLS Should Bayrou fail to placate the Socialists and fall, President Emmanuel Macron would have to find a new prime minister, as happened with Bayrou's conservative predecessor Michel Barnier in December. This would leave budget legislation in limbo during the formation of a new government, which could drag on in the absence of figures palatable to at least some parties. Alternatively, Macron could call snap legislative elections again, plunging France even deeper into political uncertainty. ($1 = 0.8592 euros) Sign in to access your portfolio
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Explainer-French PM aims to soften opposition to his budget to avert new crisis
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor PARIS (Reuters) -French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has to convince opposition Socialist lawmakers in the coming months to tolerate his 44 billion euro budget squeeze or he faces the risk of being toppled. Bayrou is bringing his 2026 budget to a fractured parliament where hard-left and far-right parties threaten no-confidence motions against him unless he makes major revisions. If he can convince the Socialists at least to abstain from backing such motions, Bayrou's minority government could get the budget through, however, meaning he must rewrite the legislation enough for them to stomach it. Politicians will be heading off for the summer break, with parliament in recess until Sept. 22, effectively giving Bayrou two months to try to soften the Socialists' resistance to his plans. BAYROU'S PROPOSAL Bayrou aims to reduce France's budget deficit, the biggest in the euro zone, from 5.4% to the European Union's 3% GDP limit by 2029. His 43.8 billion euro ($51 billion) package freezes most non-defence spending and eliminates two public holidays. Nearly 21 billion euros comes from limiting social and local government spending growth, with no inflation adjustments for public sector wages or welfare benefits. Another 10 billion euros targets high earners through a "solidarity" tax, restricts pensioner tax breaks, and cracks down on fraud. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? While politicians debate the budget over their summer break, unions are considering strike action - the hard-line CGT is in favour while the moderate CFDT has not ruled it out. The September return from the summer recess promises to be particularly tense as parties stake out positions. Bayrou must finalise his budget bill by Oct. 1 when it is to be sent to lawmakers. Without a majority, he will likely at some point invoke article 49.3 of the constitution to adopt the budget without a vote, triggering inevitable no-confidence motions. His survival would depend on the Socialists' abstention. SOCIALIST DEMANDS Socialists demand a total budget revision, arguing that the spending freeze burdens average workers and pensioners while treating the wealthy with a light touch. They have criticised Bayrou's 4 billion euro tax increase on high earners as grossly insufficient. Bayrou has signalled a willingness to adapt, but he faces constraints from allies who think France's tax burden is already excessive. The Socialists are also against plans not to replace some retiring public workers and the scrapping of two public holidays. IF BAYROU FALLS Should Bayrou fail to placate the Socialists and fall, President Emmanuel Macron would have to find a new prime minister, as happened with Bayrou's conservative predecessor Michel Barnierin December. This would leave budget legislation in limbo during the formation of a new government, which could drag on in the absence of figures palatable to at least some parties. Alternatively, Macron could call snap legislative elections again, plunging France even deeper into political uncertainty. ($1 = 0.8592 euros) (Reporting by Leigh Thomas; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Explainer-French PM aims to soften opposition to his budget to avert new crisis
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor PARIS - French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has to convince opposition Socialist lawmakers in the coming months to tolerate his 44 billion euro budget squeeze or he faces the risk of being toppled. Bayrou is bringing his 2026 budget to a fractured parliament where hard-left and far-right parties threaten no-confidence motions against him unless he makes major revisions. If he can convince the Socialists at least to abstain from backing such motions, Bayrou's minority government could get the budget through, however, meaning he must rewrite the legislation enough for them to stomach it. Politicians will be heading off for the summer break, with parliament in recess until Sept. 22, effectively giving Bayrou two months to try to soften the Socialists' resistance to his plans. BAYROU'S PROPOSAL Bayrou aims to reduce France's budget deficit, the biggest in the euro zone, from 5.4% to the European Union's 3% GDP limit by 2029. His 43.8 billion euro ($51 billion) package freezes most non-defence spending and eliminates two public holidays. Nearly 21 billion euros comes from limiting social and local government spending growth, with no inflation adjustments for public sector wages or welfare benefits. Another 10 billion euros targets high earners through a "solidarity" tax, restricts pensioner tax breaks, and cracks down on fraud. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Critical infrastructure in S'pore under attack by cyber espionage group: Shanmugam Singapore Who is UNC3886, the group that attacked S'pore's critical information infrastructure? Singapore HSA looking to get anti-vape cyber surveillance tool with AI capabilities Singapore Singapore police in contact with Indonesian authorities over baby trafficking allegations Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student accused of using AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore 30% of aviation jobs could be redesigned due to AI, automation; $200m fund to support workers: CAAS Singapore Former NUH male nurse faces charges after he allegedly molested man at hospital While politicians debate the budget over their summer break, unions are considering strike action - the hard-line CGT is in favour while the moderate CFDT has not ruled it out. The September return from the summer recess promises to be particularly tense as parties stake out positions. Bayrou must finalise his budget bill by Oct. 1 when it is to be sent to lawmakers. Without a majority, he will likely at some point invoke article 49.3 of the constitution to adopt the budget without a vote, triggering inevitable no-confidence motions. His survival would depend on the Socialists' abstention. SOCIALIST DEMANDS Socialists demand a total budget revision, arguing that the spending freeze burdens average workers and pensioners while treating the wealthy with a light touch. They have criticised Bayrou's 4 billion euro tax increase on high earners as grossly insufficient. Bayrou has signalled a willingness to adapt, but he faces constraints from allies who think France's tax burden is already excessive. The Socialists are also against plans not to replace some retiring public workers and the scrapping of two public holidays. IF BAYROU FALLS Should Bayrou fail to placate the Socialists and fall, President Emmanuel Macron would have to find a new prime minister, as happened with Bayrou's conservative predecessor Michel Barnier in December. This would leave budget legislation in limbo during the formation of a new government, which could drag on in the absence of figures palatable to at least some parties. Alternatively, Macron could call snap legislative elections again, plunging France even deeper into political uncertainty. REUTERS
Reuters
7 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
How can French PM avert another budget crisis?
PARIS, July 18 (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has to convince opposition Socialist lawmakers in the coming months to tolerate his 44 billion euro budget squeeze or he faces the risk of being toppled. Bayrou is bringing his 2026 budget to a fractured parliament where hard-left and far-right parties threaten no-confidence motions against him unless he makes major revisions. If he can convince the Socialists at least to abstain from backing such motions, Bayrou's minority government could get the budget through, however, meaning he must rewrite the legislation enough for them to stomach it. Politicians will be heading off for the summer break, with parliament in recess until Sept. 22, effectively giving Bayrou two months to try to soften the Socialists' resistance to his plans. Bayrou aims to reduce France's budget deficit, the biggest in the euro zone, from 5.4% to the European Union's 3% GDP limit by 2029. His 43.8 billion euro ($51 billion) package freezes most non-defence spending and eliminates two public holidays. Nearly 21 billion euros comes from limiting social and local government spending growth, with no inflation adjustments for public sector wages or welfare benefits. Another 10 billion euros targets high earners through a "solidarity" tax, restricts pensioner tax breaks, and cracks down on fraud. While politicians debate the budget over their summer break, unions are considering strike action - the hard-line CGT is in favour while the moderate CFDT has not ruled it out. The September return from the summer recess promises to be particularly tense as parties stake out positions. Bayrou must finalise his budget bill by Oct. 1 when it is to be sent to lawmakers. Without a majority, he will likely at some point invoke article 49.3 of the constitution to adopt the budget without a vote, triggering inevitable no-confidence motions. His survival would depend on the Socialists' abstention. Socialists demand a total budget revision, arguing that the spending freeze burdens average workers and pensioners while treating the wealthy with a light touch. They have criticised Bayrou's 4 billion euro tax increase on high earners as grossly insufficient. Bayrou has signalled a willingness to adapt, but he faces constraints from allies who think France's tax burden is already excessive. The Socialists are also against plans not to replace some retiring public workers and the scrapping of two public holidays. Should Bayrou fail to placate the Socialists and fall, President Emmanuel Macron would have to find a new prime minister, as happened with Bayrou's conservative predecessor Michel Barnier in December. This would leave budget legislation in limbo during the formation of a new government, which could drag on in the absence of figures palatable to at least some parties. Alternatively, Macron could call snap legislative elections again, plunging France even deeper into political uncertainty. ($1 = 0.8592 euros)
