French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou declared on Tuesday that France must implement urgent budgetary reforms as global instability grows. Speaking at a press conference ahead of 2026 budget talks, Bayrou cited the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and what he described as a “hurricane” unleashed by United States President Donald Trump as major drivers of economic and political turmoil worldwide.

“The president of the United States has started a hurricane whose consequences will not end any time soon,” Bayrou said. “As if war weren’t enough, a tsunami of destabilization came to shake up the planet.”

In response to these challenges, the French government plans to reduce its budget deficit from 5.8% of GDP in 2024 to 5.4% by 2026. Bayrou emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility in preserving France’s economic resilience in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

Bayrou’s remarks reflect growing concern in European capitals over the international consequences of the Trump administration’s aggressive economic and geopolitical stances. The push for budget reform follows a turbulent period in French fiscal policy: Bayrou’s predecessor, Michel Barnier, was removed from office after just three months for failing to pass a budget that sought to cut the deficit.

The French prime minister underscored that the government’s new budgetary framework would require broad support and political courage. “We are facing forces that are beyond our borders but deeply affecting our society. We cannot afford inaction,” he warned.

The upcoming 2026 budget will be the first major economic blueprint of Bayrou’s administration and is expected to be closely scrutinized both domestically and abroad. France’s ability to maintain financial stability while navigating geopolitical risks could serve as a model for other EU nations grappling with similar pressures.

As international tensions remain high, France’s move signals a shift toward proactive economic management in the face of unpredictable external forces. Bayrou’s comments set the tone for what is likely to be a heated debate over fiscal strategy in the months ahead.