France faces record €340bn borrowing test as government braces for 2027 budget

France has announced plans to borrow a record amount on the bond market next year, days before the government unveils its 2027 budget this Thursday. As the country's debt hits its highest level in 80 years and investors up their rates, ministers are under pressure to slash spending – yet surging inflation, strikes and approaching elections are setting the stage for a tussle in parliament over proposed cuts.