Budget balancing act: an interview with France’s finance minister

France has been cycling through governments with head-spinning speed. Part of what has brought each down is a contentious 2026 budget. Sophie Pedder, our Paris bureau chief, shares her exclusive interview with Roland Lescure, France’s finance minister. They discuss how he intends to get the budget passed at last, and what is at stake if he does not. Hosts: Mike Bird, Ethan Wu and Alice Fulwood. Guest: Roland Lescure. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.