The new French prime minister tells parliament the country’s ‘colossal’ debt is ‘sword of Damocles’

PARIS (AP) — In his inaugural address to parliament, new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier warned that “colossal” and spiraling debts are a “sword of Damocles” hanging over the country’s finances.

Barnier was laying out his proposed policy announcements that the veteran conservative and EU Brexit negotiator hopes to push through the legislature despite not having a ruling majority for his new government.

He was regularly heckled by opposition lawmakers, who were calling out remarks and comments during his address to the National Assembly.

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