Macron says Russia carried out hybrid attacks on France in recent weeks
The statement lands as France's 10-year bond yield premium over Germany holds at 100 basis points, with budget talks unresolved
Published
President Macron said Russia has carried out hybrid attacks against France in recent weeks. He gave no further detail on what the attacks involved.
The statement comes as France's borrowing costs stay under scrutiny. The 10-year bond yield premium over German bunds has risen to 100 basis points, reflecting concern about the country's finances as budget negotiations continue. Prime Minister Lecornu has warned that France's deficit could exceed 6.5 per cent of GDP in 2027 without corrective action, and that a further rise in rates would add €10bn to the country's debt costs. He has been reaching out to National Rally in an attempt to align the government's budget plans and secure support in parliament.
The claim also follows a run of Russia-related developments elsewhere. The Kremlin has put the Russian assets of Nestle and Auchan under temporary state control, saying the move follows the companies' owners being tied to unfriendly nations linked to attacks on Kyiv. Russia has also struck four ships in the Black Sea near Ukrainian ports, and says it hit a cargo vessel in Odesa.
Security threats of this kind tend to strengthen the hand of hardline parties in coalition talks. That risks complicating budget negotiations at a moment when France can least afford fiscal uncertainty or higher borrowing costs, with the bond spread already signalling market concern about its creditworthiness.