France’s National Assembly approves social security budget in victory for Prime Minister Lecornu

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 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.

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.

France provided logistical support to Benin's authorities to help thwart a coup attempt that occurred over the weekend, as confirmed by an aide to President Emmanuel Macron. The West African nation is currently engaged in a search for soldiers involved in the failed coup, which was quickly suppressed by government forces.

Ukraine is preparing to present a revised peace plan to the United States on Tuesday, following discussions between President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from France, Germany, and Britain in London. This initiative comes as the conflict approaches its fourth year, with increasing pressure from the White House for a swift resolution to the ongoing war with Russia.

UK and French authorities have been criticized for their inaction against anti-migrant activists from the UK who travel to northern France, with nine French associations condemning the governments for fostering an environment that encourages violence and xenophobia against migrants. This lack of intervention is seen as a failure to protect vulnerable populations seeking asylum.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with leaders from France, Germany, and the UK in London to discuss the latest US efforts to end the war in Ukraine. This meeting is seen as a critical moment to ramp up support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.