Big Decisions, Heavy Hearts 💔🌍: What Just Happened?

World News

MondayBudget – Article 47 of France’s Constitution stipulates a maximum of 40 days for Members of Parliament to vote on the draft budget law during its first reading, with the deadline for that initial vote set at midnight on November 23rd. However, the first formal vote on the entire budget is scheduled for Monday, November 24th, at 4:00 pm. Strike – A three-day general strike is planned in Belgium, commencing on Monday, which could have knock-on effects, particularly in the far north of France and impacting travel. TuesdayBudget – France’s right-leaning Senate is scheduled to commence 15 to 20 days of public examination of the draft budget law. If the National Assembly votes to approve the bill, that version will proceed to the Senate. Conversely, if the National Assembly votes down the draft bill, the government’s original, unamended version will be presented to the Senate. Should there be insufficient time for a vote – a likely scenario – the government retains the option to select which bill is presented, having already committed to incorporating all amendments passed in the National Assembly. Demonstrations – Events will take place across dozens of towns and cities in France to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In Paris, a mobilization will be held at 6:30 pm on the Place de la République, while a similar event is planned for Place de la Joliette in Marseille at the same time. Pandas – A pair of pandas will return to China from ZooParc de Beauval, in Saint-Aignan, due to concerns regarding their health. Auction – Paris’ Drouot

The Christie’s auction house is to sell a previously unlisted work by French Impressionist Auguste Renoir depicting his toddler son, Jean, who went on to become an Oscar-winning filmmaker. Meanwhile, the Senate began debating the *projet de loi de financement de la sécurité sociale* – the social security portion of the budget – on Wednesday, November 19th. Constitutionally imposed deadlines require senators to vote on the legislation by November 26th, just one week later. Additionally, summary proceedings are underway in the government’s attempt to suspend the Shein website in France. On Thursday, provisional November inflation data are scheduled to be published. It is Black Friday 2025, and retailers and online platforms anticipate significant activity. Finally, French rugby fans can rejoice: Antoine Dupont’s Grand Return is expected when Toulouse face Racing 92 at Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday evening; reports suggest he may appear briefly off the bench after recovering from a knee injury sustained in March.