France is grappling with a deepening fiscal crisis as ministerial resignations and accusations fly over the state of public finances.

Former Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and Public Accounts Minister Thomas Cazenave, both recently resigned, have pointed to local government spending as a major threat to the 2024 budget, potentially worsening the deficit by €16 billion.

Local authorities, however, have countered these claims, highlighting the stable debt levels of municipalities and accusing the state of fiscal mismanagement.

The controversy comes as France's deficit is projected to reach 5.6% this year, with new austerity measures looming.

The political landscape remains tense, with the appointment of a new Prime Minister expected soon to address these fiscal challenges.