In the second quarter of 2025, the French economy experienced a modest growth of 0.3%, following a 0.1% increase in the previous quarter. However, there was a 0.3% decline in net foreign trade. Personal spending in France dropped by 0.30% in July, leading to a decrease in consumer confidence to 87 in August (below expectations of 90). The government, under President Emmanuel Macron, faced a political crisis regarding its debt, prompting Prime Minister Francois Bayrou to call for a confidence vote. Amidst fears of a possible bailout from the IMF, economist Michael A. Arouet warned of a potential second "Euro crisis" originating in France. French Finance Minister Eric Lombard acknowledged the risk of an IMF intervention and expressed the government's intention to avoid such a scenario. The political instability has led to calls for new national elections in France, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with the current status quo.