Bleak midwinter for the economy? It could be worse… Opinion The political and economy outlook for the UK may seem gloomy, but spare a thought for our European counterparts, says Tim Sarson It’s the last working week of 2024 for many of us. I’ll be switching off the laptop on Friday afternoon and packing up for what I hope is a restful Christmas break, give [...]
French budget crisis show fiscal fears are rising back up the agenda Economics The mounting budget crisis in France looks set to revive the spectre of sovereign debt levels.
Starmer to woo investors as new UK-Germany deal talks launched Politics Sir Keir Starmer is set to woo major investors during a European trip which will see him launch negotiations for a major new UK-Germany treaty. The Prime Minister is set to meet bosses from Siemens Energy and Rheinmetall, as well as investors from Thales, Eutelsat, Mistral AI and Sanofi during visits to Berlin and Paris. [...]
Sport, tax and the Olympics: Why France is attractive for international athletes August 3, 2024 In this Olympic and Paralympic year, sport is in the spotlight, especially in France where more than 10,000 international athletes are expected. At the same time, all eyes are on possible tax changes in the next coming months following the latest snap elections that took place further to the dissolution of the French Parliament by [...]
Explainer: Why has an iron curtain been erected in central Paris? July 23, 2024 Olympic security has barricaded central Paris off to all but a few residents who must show QR codes to get through armed checkpoints It’s like a crime scene. Metal fences have been erected, paths cleared and restaurants lie empty. The barricades are being likened to an iron curtain and – in a level of security [...]
Explainer: What just happened in the French elections? July 9, 2024 Macron's call for certainty has resulted in a confusing and concerning hung parliament in France, writes Lucy Kenningham
French election: Markets stabilise after shock results lead to stalemate July 8, 2024 In 1962 president Charles De Gaulle expressed his frustration at the difficulties facing anyone governing France. "How can anyone govern a country with 246 varieties of cheese," he lamented.
Why markets are concerned by the French election June 29, 2024 France's fiscal position is not good. Its national debt stands at around 112 per cent of GDP, a bigger debt burden than Germany and the UK.
A Parisian protest to poo in the Seine isn’t just a joke – it’s political June 26, 2024 People are willing to defecate in the river Seine. It speaks to the political malaise that is polluting France, writes Lucy Kenningham
London overtakes Paris as Europe’s biggest stock market after Macron’s election gamble June 17, 2024 Emmanuel Macron’s election gamble has caused France to lose its crown as Europe's biggest stock market, with London retaking the title after spending most of the last two years in second place.