French challenges and eurozone instability may trigger wider angst
The economic and political implications extend beyond the country’s borders
FRANCE has enjoyed about nine months of relative political stability under centrist Prime Minister Francois Bayrou. However, the eurozone’s second-largest economy faces an imminent bout of instability on Monday (Sep 8) – which could shake global market confidence – when Bayrou’s government is expected to lose a confidence vote.
The vote seems likely to end, either with fresh legislative elections, or French President Emmanuel Macron naming a fifth prime minister in some 20 months.
Historically, this degree of political turmoil recalls the era of the Third Republic (1870 to 1940), which was defined by a polarised electorate and high instability.
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