François Bayrou, a "father of austerity" who adopts a solitary austerity pose
Jonathan Bouchet-Petersen's post
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François Bayrou during the presentation of the 2026 budget guidelines, in Paris on July 15, 2025. (Albert Facelly/Libération)
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Calling the French people to witness the tragic situation the country is facing, François Bayrou will always be able to claim that he, a sort of modern-day Mendès France, has courageously done his part. Unlike his opposition, which is not up to this historic moment. So much for window dressing. Aware of his political weakness, the Prime Minister in a way went all-in on Tuesday, July 15, by presenting his severe budgetary order . He knew very well that on the left, the right, and the far right, his copy would be very poorly received. And it was,
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