The French government successfully raised €12bn through bond sales, significantly exceeding demand. This comes amid a backdrop of political turbulence and a struggling economy, with a budget announcement expected soon. Prime Minister Barnier is under pressure to address the country's deficit, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation. A new €60bn budget plan aims to reduce the deficit from 6% of GDP to below 3% by 2029, involving tax increases and spending cuts. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)