France provided 'logistical' support to help thwart Benin coup attempt, Macron aide says

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu successfully navigated a critical vote in the divided parliament, securing approval for the 2026 budget bill. This vote marks a significant moment for the government as it seeks to implement its fiscal policies amidst political fragmentation.

France's National Assembly has approved the social security budget, marking a significant victory for Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. This approval comes amidst a divided parliament and is crucial for the government's fiscal policies moving forward.

France's parliament is set to vote on a crucial social security budget that could lead to a €30 billion shortfall in funding for essential services like healthcare and pensions. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, lacking a majority, is attempting to secure support by proposing to suspend President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform until after the next presidential election. The outcome of this vote is anticipated to be extremely close, potentially igniting further political turmoil.

France's parliament is poised for a critical vote on the social security budget, which could result in a €30 billion funding shortfall for essential services such as healthcare and pensions. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government faces a potential political crisis as it lacks a majority in parliament, making this vote a decisive moment for its fiscal strategy.

On December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers in Benin attempted a coup by declaring the dissolution of President Patrice Talon's government on national television. The coup was swiftly thwarted by loyalist troops, leading to the arrest of fourteen individuals involved in the plot and a military search for fugitive soldiers. The situation in the capital, Cotonou, remained mostly calm following the government's regained control.

Cédric Villani, a prominent French mathematician and professor at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, has released a new book titled 'Leçons de mathématique joyeuse' or 'Lessons in joyful mathematics'. Villani, a member of France's Académie des sciences, is recognized for his contributions across various fields of mathematics and has received numerous accolades for his work.

On December 7, 2025, an attempted coup in Benin was announced by a group of soldiers claiming to have dissolved President Patrice Talon's government. However, the coup was quickly foiled by loyalist troops, restoring control to the government and resulting in casualties on both sides. This incident highlights the fragility of Benin's democratic stability amidst a backdrop of political unrest in the region.

Eleven Nigerian military personnel are currently detained in Burkina Faso after their C-130 transport aircraft made an unauthorized emergency landing in Bobo Dioulasso. This incident occurred less than a day after Nigerian forces intervened in a foiled coup attempt in neighboring Benin, highlighting the region's escalating political tensions.