Bayrou turns to social media to defend sweeping French budget cuts

French Prime Minister François Bayrou is defending his plan for deep spending cuts—over $50 billion—through a series of social media videos, aiming to curb France’s record 114% of GDP public debt. The measures include scrapping two of the country’s 11 public holidays, freezing certain social services, and tightening benefits.

Bayrou calls the cuts necessary and “bearable,” but critics argue the burden will fall disproportionately on the middle and working classes, leaving the wealthiest largely untouched. Public opinion is split: some see the austerity as inevitable, while others say it unfairly targets ordinary citizens, especially over lost holidays.

Opposition parties on both the far-right and left have threatened a no-confidence vote, and unions are planning nationwide strikes and protests on September 10. With political pressure mounting, Bayrou’s attempt to win support online faces strong resistance that could decide both his budget’s fate and the government’s survival.

Credit: CGTN