AM 1575 News — Growth 2027 at 0.4%, Inflation 3%, Deficit over 5.6%: France does worse than all of Europe – Prime Minister Lecornu “reflects” – Imminent marriage Bardella-Maria Carolina Chantal Edoarda Beatrice of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies? – Weather Paris Milan New York | September 11, 2026
Welcome to am1575news, the news bulletin of France24 and Radio Centrale Milan for Friday September 11, 2026 in podcasting, on the medium waves and on franciaoggi.com. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
On the front page of franciaoggi.com the incredible reconstruction of the Twin Towers made with drones on September 9 in New York. We will not invoke the famous nine‑eleven again, we consider there is nothing more to add: our due tribute is therefore in images.
News from France
France: economic growth for 2026 reduced to 0.4%, three times lower than the euro area average
Insee has lowered the forecast for French GDP growth for 2026, setting it at 0.4 % versus the 0.7 % estimated until recently. This is the lowest rate since 2012, excluding the Covid crisis years, and makes France the only major advanced economy where activity is expected to slow this year.
In the outlook note published on Thursday the Institute placed French growth in “orange vigilance” and highlighted how, unlike the euro zone and the United Kingdom, the forecast growth is three times lower. “France is the only major advanced economy where activity is slowing in 2026,” Insee emphasized.
The new scenario diverges sharply from the governmental one, which still forecasts growth of 0.7 %. The Economy Minister, Roland Lescure, will have to update the projections at a press conference on Friday, probably reducing them further, with impacts on the state budget that aims to keep the public deficit around 5 % of GDP.
The slowdown is already evident in the quarterly data: in the first quarter GDP fell by 0.2 % and in the second quarter recorded zero growth. Analysts attribute the decline to several factors, including the repercussions of the Middle East conflict and the summer heat waves that weighed on agricultural production (-3.1 % in the second quarter), resulting in a loss of 0.1 percentage point of GDP over the whole year.
The construction sector also experienced a contraction, with value added decreasing by 0.6 % in the second quarter, while public investment fell by 1.7 % on an annual basis. “All the engines of French growth are cooled: anemic private consumption, public spending growing more slowly, and stagnant investment,” commented Clément Bortoli of Insee, adding that only foreign trade, especially in the aerospace and naval sectors, still supports activity.
Inflation, meanwhile, is approaching 3 % at year‑end, after 2.4 % in August, driven by rising fuel prices and the higher cost of fresh products due to the heat. Real wages are expected to remain stagnant, with household purchasing power down 0.4 % compared to 2025.
The labor market is deteriorating: 52,000 jobs are expected to be lost in the salaried sector, while the number of self‑employed workers should increase by 95,000, keeping total employment stable (+0.1 %). However, the unemployment rate would rise from 8.3 % in the second quarter to 8.6 % by year‑end, making France the only European country where the unemployment rate is increasing, according to Dorian Roucher of Insee.
> “The political discourse will talk about heatwaves and conflicts, but the shocks are symmetric and growth is present elsewhere in Europe; there is now a French specificity, an exception in the dynamics of activity,” observed Anthony Morlet‑Lavidalie, economist at Rexecode. Fact Check by Gemma4. BFMTV, September 10, 2026
Lecornu considers a reduction of ministers’ allowances: how French salaries compare to European colleagues
The government, seeking savings on all fronts, is evaluating the possibility of lowering the monthly allowance of Council members. Currently a minister in full exercise receives €10,692 gross per month, a figure that slightly exceeds the €10,200 of state secretaries, but remains below what their counterparts earn in several European countries.
In Germany a federal minister receives €17,990 gross per month, plus an annual lump‑sum allowance of €3,681. In Switzerland the nine federal councillors receive about €42,250 monthly, plus an annual allowance of €31,809 for expenses. In the United Kingdom the chancellor (Minister of Economy) earns about €84,357 gross per year, equivalent to €7,029 monthly, while other ministers earn about €29,034 per year.
Other states show more moderate salaries: in Italy ministers receive €9,203 gross monthly plus a daily allowance of €3,503; in Spain the remuneration is €8,300 monthly, while in Poland it is around €4,600. In Belgium, due to the federal structure, allowances range between €7,000 and €8,000 and are subject to cumulation limits.
A 10 % cut in the allowance for the 35 government members would allow saving about €456,000 per year, a decidedly symbolic figure compared to the €124 billion deficit recorded in 2025. The initiative, which precedes the study of the state budget for 2027, recalls a similar precedent in the first administration of François Hollande, when ministers’ allowances were reduced by 30 % after the 2012 elections.
The examination of the measure will bring debates in the Assembly “before the budget discussion,” with opponents ready to contest a measure with limited fiscal impact but strong symbolic value.
BFMTV, September 10, 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Rachel’s Editorial – The “saving” of ministers, the new anti‑inflation recipe?
I will now read you my editorial of the day.
It is curious how the government, in its infinite wisdom, decides that the way out of the crisis is “to reflect” on how to reduce the already meager allowances of ministers. To reflect, that is, as if the economic nemesis could be tamed with a half‑price thought. But is thinking really more effective than acting? Or is it just an elegant way to hide the inability to make concrete decisions?
And now the comparison with European neighbours: France flutters on a bill of €10,692 per month, while Germany pops up with almost €18 000 and Switzerland flaunts tens of thousands. Should we be ashamed of being “low” compared to our friends? Or is the real problem not the politicians’ pay, but the endless race for comparison that distracts us from the true state expenses, which amount to hundreds of billions?
The discourse of “social justice” turns into an exercise in symbolism: a 10 % reduction of the allowances of 35 officials saves €456 000, an insignificant figure compared to a €124 billion deficit. Is it a matter of numbers or of spectacle? Perhaps people like to see ministers “sacrifice” a few hundred euros, more than tackling structural cuts to public services.
Finally, the phantom “sign of justice” that arrives shortly before the 2027 budget debate. A façade move, perhaps, to make people believe the government is on the field of thrift, while reality remains the same as always: promises of saving that end up being flavorless jam jars.
Koan of the day
Monk: “Master, if the minister earns little, why such uproar when it is thought of reducing it further?”
Master: “The uproar arises from the desire to see the smallest fruit of the garden, while the whole tree remains buried in the mud of public spending.”
Monk: “Then, Master, what is the true value of a symbolic cut in a gigantic budget?”
Master: “A cut is like a raindrop in a desert: it is noticeable, but it does not extinguish the fire that burns beneath the feet of citizens.”
Now let’s return to the news.
Chain resignations, Nice withdrawal and delays: two years of storm at the Organising Committee of the Alpine Games 2030
The Organising Committee of the French Alpine Games 2030 (Cojop) experienced a period of apparent calm in the spring and early summer, during which the site map and the official symbols of the Games were revealed. However, immediately after the short calm, the Committee returned to the centre of the storm due to a new series of resignations, culminating in the departure of President Edgar Grospiron announced on Thursday September 10.
Since the assignment of the 2030 Winter Games to the French Alps on July 24, 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has requested financial guarantees from the French state and the regions in case of a deficit. The provision, however, clashed with the political instability generated by the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron on June 9, 2024. After weeks without a government, Michel Barnier, appointed Prime Minister on September 5, 2024, was able to sign the letter of commitment only on October 2, delaying the confirmation of the guarantees requested by the IOC.
The legislative process for the so‑called “Olympic law” required an additional nine months: approved by Parliament on February 5, 2026, the law allows temporary waivers in urban planning, construction, health, labour and safety, also extending the pilot project of algorithmic video surveillance until 2027. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari called it an “essential toolbox for the successful delivery of the Games.”
Meanwhile, the project to appoint a new president saw the refusal of the famous biathlete Martin Fourcade, who withdrew his candidacy in February 2025 over governance and territorial‑goal disagreements. He was succeeded by Edgar Grospiron, an Olympic freestyle skiing champion, appointed president of Cojop shortly after. Grospiron immediately had to manage a wave of resignations: operations director Anne Murac left in December 2025, followed by communications director Arthur Richer in January 2026 and Bertrand Méheut, head of the remuneration committee, in February 2026, who reported a “significant drift” in the Committee’s management. On February 25, the departure of general director Cyril Linette was announced due to “insurmountable disagreements” with the president, replaced in May by Vincent Roberti.
These turbulences have affected the implementation timeline: Minister Ferrari acknowledged an overall delay of one and a half months, assuring that existing infrastructure and territorial know‑how will nonetheless allow the Games to be delivered. The IOC nevertheless postponed the announcement of the full programme by three weeks.
The local context was further complicated by the election of the new mayor of Nice, Eric Ciotti, whose assumption of office cast doubt on the possibility of hosting the ice competitions and the closing ceremony in the city. Facing the refusal to use Allianz Riviera during the Ligue 1 season, Cojop considered an alternative in Lyon, confirmed by the IOC at the end of June.
Meanwhile, the summer saw the postponement of a discussion on Cojop’s governance, deferred to the new session. Reports of a toxic work environment emerged, with employees reporting “fear”, “brutality” and “harassment” and a mental‑health audit was launched following investigations by Le Parisien, without yet producing conclusions as of September 8.
On September 10 the resignation of Edgar Grospiron was made official, leaving the future leadership of the Committee open. The Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes region, the main partner, also showed prudence, ensuring that the next executive and coordination committees will guarantee the project’s continuity.
Source: FranceInfo, September 11, 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Marriage rumors: Jordan Bardella and Maria Carolina, the family sets things straight
Since their relationship was made official in April, the descendant of the Bourbon family of Sicily, Maria Carolina, and the president of the Rassemblement National, Jordan Bardella, have been at the centre of numerous media and society commentaries. Their meeting at the Monaco Grand Prix 2025 had already sparked curiosity, but it was the recent public acknowledgment of the couple that set alight speculation about a possible royal marriage and the princess’s potential role in the French political scene, especially ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In response to the rumors, on May 21, during the amfAR gala in Cannes, Prince Charles‑Henri de Lobkowicz, cousin of Maria Carolina and a member of the aristocracy, spoke to quell the gossip. The 62‑year‑old, descendant of Princess Françoise de Bourbon‑Parme, described the young woman as “very happy and in love,” living each moment simply, away from power games. According to him, the rumours of an imminent marriage are unfounded. “I was completely surprised. Maria Carolina is so far removed from the French political world that I would never have imagined seeing her alongside someone like Jordan Bardella,” he said. The hypothesis of a ceremony in the Saint‑Denis basilica, a burial place of kings, was called “ridiculous.”
The prince emphasized that the couple prefers to live their relationship “day by day,” without turning it into an official story. The idea of a highly media‑driven marriage was discouraged, due to exposure risks and potential repercussions on both of their images.
Beyond marriage, questions have arisen about the possible involvement of Maria Carolina in public or political life alongside Bardella. On this point as well, Charles‑Henri de Lobkowicz expressed caution, reminding of the dignity required by the role and warning of the dangers of a hostile media climate. He cited the assaults endured by Brigitte Macron in recent years as a warning about the price to pay for a woman who puts herself in the political arena. While nobility may confer a certain composure, media coverage, according to the prince, spares no one.
In summary, the entourage has asked to set aside fanciful projections and respect the family’s privacy, allowing the couple to live their love story on their own terms.
OhMyMag, May 29, 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milan for Friday September 11, 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Waves at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, this is Rachel Costa.
OpenAI solves in ten days one of the seven Millennium math problems
OpenAI researchers announced that they have found a solution to the Hodge conjecture problem, one of the seven famous “Millennium Problems”. The result, achieved in less than two weeks, was verified by an international committee of experts. The scientists emphasized that the use of advanced neural networks allowed exploration of research spaces previously inaccessible, opening new prospects for pure mathematics and its practical applications.
Anthropic blocks the malicious use of AI that could develop biological weapons
Anthropic published a report in which it denounces that some users had attempted to employ its artificial intelligence model, Claude, to design pathogenic agents. The company said it immediately shut down all endpoints that allowed such requests and reinforced safety filters. Cybersecurity experts welcomed the move, recalling the growing concern over generative AIs being twisted toward dangerous purposes.
The reference gas price will rise by 6.3 % in October
In response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the French Energy Authority forecast a 6.3 % increase in the reference gas price starting on October 1. The rise reflects market reactions to the blockage of maritime transport routes and the impact of economic sanctions on major producers. Authorities warned consumers of a possible increase in domestic bills in the coming months.
Oil price exceeds $100 due to the war in Iran
The global energy market saw Brent prices surpass the $100 per barrel threshold for the first time since 2025, driven by the intensifying conflict between the United States and Iran. Concerns over supply security in the Persian Gulf have fueled uncertainty among operators, also pushing WTI higher. Analysts warn that the upward trend could persist as long as military pressure remains high.
SpaceX restructures data‑center construction, potentially slowing expansion
According to an exclusive investigation, SpaceX is revising its data‑center construction strategy, focusing on cost reduction and greater operational efficiency. The new architecture envisages the use of smaller modular facilities, but the change could slow the company’s ability to rapidly increase the computing power needed for Starlink launches. Industry observers fear that the slowdown could affect SpaceX’s competitiveness in the satellite connectivity services market.
El Niño “Godzilla” threatens to reignite global inflation
The climate phenomenon El Niño, dubbed “Godzilla” by experts, is intensifying and could cause a rise in agricultural prices, maritime transport costs and raw material prices. International meteorological authorities have reported ocean temperature increases above average, with repercussions on the global supply chain. Economists warn that inflationary pressures could strengthen, complicating monetary policies already weakened by recent energy crises.
Youth employment rate rises to 35 % thanks to apprenticeships, but remains below that of some European countries
In France, the percentage of employed young people has risen to 35 % thanks to apprenticeship initiatives promoted by the government. However, experts point out that the rate is still lower than that recorded in Germany and the Netherlands, where training policies are more integrated with the labour market. The Ministry of Education has announced further investments to expand vocational training pathways, attempting to close the competitive gap at the European level.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Friday September 11, 2026
Paris: very cloudy sky with possible evening showers
In the Parisian morning the sky is very cloudy and temperatures are around 16 °C, with a calm wind of about 15 km/h, according to expert Régis Crêpet.
In the afternoon the sun peeks between the clouds, temperature rises to 24 °C and the wind strengthens to 10 km/h with gusts up to 25 km/h, but without precipitation.
In the evening temperature drops to 21 °C, the sky remains cloudy and there is a 30 % chance of rain, with light winds of 15 km/h.
During the night temperature stabilises at 16 °C, the wind is calm and no rain risk is forecast.
The day’s minimum is 16 °C, the maximum 24 °C, with winds ranging from 10 to 25 km/h.
Monaco Monte Carlo: predominantly clear and warm day
In the morning in Monte Carlo the sky is almost cloud‑free, temperatures are around 20 °C and the wind blows from the north at 10 km/h with gusts up to 20 km/h.
In the afternoon the sun dominates the scene, temperature reaches 25 °C and the wind remains moderate, still 10 km/h with similar gusts, without any precipitation.
In the evening temperature falls to 23 °C, the sky stays lightly cloudy and the wind becomes calmer, about 15 km/h, with no rain risk.
During the night temperature drops again to 20 °C, the wind eases to 10 km/h and the sky remains clear, without precipitation.
The day’s thermal minimum is 20 °C, the maximum 25 °C, with weak and steady winds.
Milan: variable weather with scattered sun and mild temperatures
In the Milanese morning the sky shows low clouds and a few clearings, temperature is 18 °C, the wind blows from the south at 1 km/h and no rain is expected, as observed by expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo.
In the middle of the day temperatures rise gradually, reaching 26 °C around noon, with light southerly winds at 3 km/h and a total absence of precipitation.
The afternoon continues with partially cloudy skies, temperatures around 24‑25 °C, west‑southwest wind about 6‑7 km/h and no rain in sight.
In the evening clouds thin out, temperature stays at 22‑23 °C, wind weakens to about 4‑5 km/h, and the sky remains clear.
At night temperature drops to 22 °C, the wind is almost still and the sky stays cloud‑free, with no risk of precipitation.
The thermometer records a minimum of 18 °C and a maximum of 26 °C, with light winds throughout the day.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – The art of blaming the climate for everything
It is really surprising how every slight temperature change or a misplaced cloud instantly becomes undeniable proof of climate change, don’t you think? We wonder whether the real culprit isn’t simply our tendency to look for an invisible scapegoat for every raindrop or every warmer morning.
But can we really attribute a light evening breeze in Milan or a flash of sun in Paris to global warming? Perhaps it is easier to point the finger at a “global enemy” rather than admit that weather is, by definition, a bit capricious.
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the weather today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “The sky is clear, the wind is gentle, but the man thinks about climate change.”.
The monk responded: “Then is true time our mind?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “True time is only the present that observes without judgment.”.
And that is today’s weather.
Sign-off.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is FranciaOggi with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.