Overview

• The 18 September mobilization drew about 500,000 people according to police and roughly 1 million per the CGT, with unions calling for concrete answers.
• Following François Bayrou’s fall, Sébastien Lecornu is tasked with outlining a new 2026 fiscal roadmap, as commentators caution that having no budget would be the worst outcome.
• TF1/LCI reporting indicates France plans to recognize the State of Palestine, signaling a significant diplomatic step.
• NATO says it intercepted three Russian aircraft over Estonia and frames the episode as a test of its response, while Moscow denies any incursion.
• Israeli officials announced an “unprecedented” strike in Gaza, with messaging that points to an intention to take control of the territory.