French PM survives no-confidence vote – Europe live

French Prime Minister Lecornu has successfully navigated two no-confidence votes in parliament, a significant achievement that underscores his government's stability amid political challenges. This outcome is crucial as it allows the administration to continue implementing its policies without the immediate threat of being ousted, which could have led to further political turmoil in France.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has successfully navigated a critical no-confidence vote in Parliament, winning by a narrow margin of 18 votes. This outcome is significant as it reflects a temporary alliance with the Socialist Party, which agreed to support the government in exchange for a pause on the contentious pension reform introduced in 2022. This development not only stabilizes Lecornu's leadership but also highlights the ongoing political negotiations in France regarding social policies.

France is taking significant steps to enhance its military response to aerial incursions, particularly in light of the increasing security threats posed by Russia. Traditionally, the French military would only escort intruding aircraft away, but now they are considering more assertive measures, including the possibility of shooting them down. This shift reflects a broader trend among European nations to bolster their defenses and adapt to evolving threats, ensuring national security and demonstrating military readiness.

France's Prime Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, is set to face a no-confidence vote on October 16, 2025, as both the left and far-right parties challenge his government. While the Socialists are currently supporting him due to recent pension plan changes, many still plan to vote against him, citing ongoing austerity measures in his 2026 budget proposal. This situation highlights the political tensions in France and the challenges the government faces in maintaining support.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is poised to survive two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly, thanks to his recent concession to suspend President Emmanuel Macron's controversial pension reform. This move aims to garner support from moderate leftists, which is crucial for maintaining government stability. The outcome of these votes is significant as it could prevent a second government collapse in just weeks, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding pension reforms in France.

The French Socialist party is gearing up to advocate for a wealth tax aimed at the country's wealthiest citizens, a move they believe could help raise essential revenue amid ongoing economic challenges. This initiative comes as the parliament prepares to debate next year's budget, and the party is strategically positioning itself while the prime minister faces a crucial no-confidence vote. This matters because it highlights the party's commitment to addressing economic inequality and could influence the political landscape in France as they seek to capitalize on the current crisis.

Morocco has made history by reaching the Under-20 World Cup final for the first time after a thrilling victory over France. In a nail-biting semifinal, third-choice goalkeeper Abdelhakim El Mesbahi saved the crucial penalty in a 5-4 shootout, showcasing his remarkable skills and preparation. This victory not only highlights Morocco's rising football prowess but also sets the stage for an exciting final against Argentina, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.

Oxfam International's Susana Ruiz has called for governments to implement a wealth tax, highlighting the stark wealth disparity where the richest 1% possess more than the bottom 95%. This discussion is particularly relevant in France, where the topic has sparked significant debate amid ongoing budget discussions. Additionally, concerns have been raised about Elon Musk's Starlink and its potential role in facilitating online scams in Southeast Asia. These issues matter as they touch on economic fairness and the responsibilities of tech companies.

Harry Kane, the England captain, is determined to overcome the disappointment of missing a crucial penalty in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals against France. He believes that this experience has not only shaped him as a player but also fueled his motivation to lead England to future success. Kane's journey reflects resilience and growth, making him a key figure to watch as the team aims for glory in upcoming tournaments.

France has raised serious allegations against Hamas, accusing the militant group of executing individuals in Gaza following a ceasefire with Israel. This claim comes after Hamas released a video depicting the shooting of eight blindfolded suspects labeled as 'collaborators and outlaws.' Such actions, if confirmed, could escalate tensions in the region and undermine any efforts for peace, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in Gaza.

Madagascar is facing its fifth political crisis since gaining independence in 1960, as President Andry Rajoelina fled amid protests led by the social media group Gen Z Madagascar. This upheaval has created a power vacuum, allowing the military to step in, which raises concerns about stability and governance on the island. The situation is reminiscent of past crises, highlighting ongoing struggles for political reform and the influence of youth activism in shaping the future.

The recent closure of the £9.6 million project to rebuild an entrance to the House of Lords has raised eyebrows, as it not only exceeded its budget but also took an astonishing 100 weeks longer than planned. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about financial management and efficiency within Parliament, prompting discussions about accountability and the need for better oversight in future projects.

A joint committee in the UK is set to investigate the collapse of a spy trial involving China, with key figures from home affairs, foreign affairs, and justice committees participating. This inquiry is significant as it aims to clarify the roles of ministers and advisers in the evidence provision, especially under the current and previous governments. The proceedings have already sparked some controversy, highlighted by a reprimand from Speaker Lindsay Hoyle to MP Tom Tugendhat for his interruptions. This inquiry could have implications for national security and government accountability.

The trial of Soldier F continues as a judge has rejected a motion to dismiss the case. Soldier F is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney, along with multiple counts of attempted murder. This case is significant as it revisits historical events and the accountability of individuals involved in past conflicts, highlighting ongoing discussions about justice and reconciliation.

In a revealing analysis, it has come to light that UK ministers engaged with fossil fuel lobbyists over 500 times in their first year in power, which translates to nearly two meetings every working day. This significant increase in meetings compared to the Tories has raised concerns, especially as Labour faces accusations of granting these lobbyists a 'backstage pass' to influence policy. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between government accountability and corporate influence, making it a crucial topic for public discourse.

The Women's Cricket World Cup match between Australia and Bangladesh is underway in Visakhapatnam, generating excitement among fans. With play starting at 3pm local time, the atmosphere is electric as teams prepare for a thrilling contest. This match is significant not only for the teams involved but also for promoting women's cricket on a global stage, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of female athletes.

The BBC has recently unveiled the results of a significant questionnaire regarding its services and role in society, revealing concerns among viewers about potential political interference. This matters because it highlights the ongoing debate about media independence and the trust viewers place in public broadcasting, which is crucial for a healthy democracy.

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia has launched a massive drone and missile strike targeting gas facilities in eastern Ukraine, causing outages across eight regions. This attack coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Washington, where he is set to meet with former President Donald Trump to discuss the potential provision of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kyiv. This situation highlights the urgent need for international support for Ukraine as it faces increasing aggression from Russia.