New data shows that France has the EU’s highest tax burden at 46 percent of GDP, while its national debt continues to grow. Amid new street protests over lack of education funding and falling purchasing power, the government is proposing a meagre hike in the minimum wage. Also in this edition: US tech giants see their shares diverge as the AI boom pushes massive capital expenditures.
The US is reportedly considering ways to convert "dark tankers" into legitimate vessels, allowing them to transport crude oil that is not subject to sanctions.
The owner of West Ham United’s London Stadium insists there have been no formal bids from the club or any other party to buy the 68,000-capacity arena. Reports had suggested that City Hall, which is effectively the stadium’s ultimate landlord,
Culture writer Adam Bloodworth tried to watch the Budget 2026 in full. From the famous 4p off gherkins to the pantomime jibes, he struggled to keep pace with the childish politicians I am an alien in the City AM office.
