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Macron's term ends in crisis as France nears fiscal brink

Macron came to power nearly a decade ago with plans to revive France but is now leaving the country facing fiscal crisis and political tension.

On air: Hank Ledger on BBN Overnight
Published 12:17 AM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “Macron Dreamed of Reviving France, but His Term Is Ending in Crisis”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:17 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: France.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesMacron Dreamed of Reviving France, but His Term Is Ending in Crisis

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorEmmanuel Macron came to power nearly ten years ago promising to revive France, and he is leaving a tense country sliding toward the fiscal brink.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWith me is Bartholomew Nkemelu, Minister of Roads and Reflection for the Lower Marnoy District. Minister, how did this happen?
Bartholomew NkemeluHank, thank you. First, let me say the roads in France are excellent, and I take full credit. This ruler measured every one.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the roads are your doing. Let me ask about the budget, the part sliding toward the brink.
Bartholomew NkemeluThe budget was before my time. Long before. I was in a different cabinet, doing different things to the same country.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSame country.
Bartholomew NkemeluA technicality. The point is the deficit was before my time, and it grew while I was only voting for it.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBut you voted for it. So I'll ask again: who owns the crisis?
Bartholomew NkemeluBefore my time, the political crisis began. Well, last spring, which was before my time, because I wasn't paying attention.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorLast spring. Minister, I'm trying to find the edge of your time, and it keeps moving toward us.
Bartholomew NkemeluThat is wisdom, Hank. I measured it with the ruler. My time is a very short ruler.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAnd if France recovers, I assume that part is yours.
Bartholomew NkemeluEvery minute of it. The croissant, the recovery, the sunrise. Mine. Anything wrong with the sunrise was before my time.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMinister, when exactly did your time begin?
Bartholomew NkemeluJust now, Hank. Right at the start of this interview, which is why none of it is my fault.