François Bayrou, a centrist heavyweight in French politics, has been appointed as the new prime minister following a vote of no-confidence that ended Michel Barnier’s minority coalition. Bayrou faces challenges such as Moody’s downgrade of France’s credit rating due to political instability and the need to navigate the three-bloc impasse in the National Assembly. While Bayrou seeks to build bridges across political divides, concerns remain about potential leftward policy shifts and his leadership style characterized by a strong ego and independent streak.
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Panama Canal Fees Have Become a Flashpoint. Here’s Why They’ve Risen.
President Trump has criticized the rising costs of using the Panama Canal, citing droughts, upgrades, and high demand as contributing factors. Despite potential pressure to lower fees, the impact on American consumers is minimal, with canal costs representing a small portion of retail prices. Concerns over Chinese investments in Panama's infrastructure and security issues have also been raised by American politicians, prompting recent discussions between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Panamanian officials. Full Article
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