France cuts 2026 growth forecast amid conflict; Baku conference tackles media decolonisation

The French government lowered its 2026 economic growth projection from 0.9% to 0.7%, attributing the downgrade to weaker-than-expected first‑quarter GDP and the impact of the war in the Middle East. The revision aligns with forecasts from the IMF, OECD and INSEE. Officials noted that falling inflation and a rebound in consumer spending were insufficient to reach the previously targeted 0.9% growth, and they warned that additional fiscal‑saving measures may be announced to keep the 2026 budget deficit near 5% of GDP.

In Baku, an international conference titled “Media and Decolonisation: Rising Voices, Strengthening Narratives” featured Jan‑Michel Brun, founder of the French portal Musulmans en France. Brun argued that French press historically presented colonialism as a civilising mission and marginalized colonised peoples. He cited examples from Algeria, Guiana, New Caledonia and Haiti, calling for media to decolonise, give space to marginalized voices and avoid portraying decolonisation movements as threats, especially in places like New Caledonia where political tension persists.