Former French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne and other key political figures are under intense scrutiny following a Senate commission's investigation into the country's escalating budget deficit.

The deficit, projected to reach 6.1% of GDP by the end of 2024, has sparked accusations of collective denial and irresponsibility among past governments.

Senators have criticized Borne, along with former ministers Bruno Le Maire and Thomas Cazenave, for failing to address the financial crisis despite early warnings.

The commission's report highlights a significant gap between the government's optimistic budget forecasts and the grim reality, leading to a political blame game.

In response, Borne and her colleagues have dismissed the report as politically motivated and filled with inaccuracies, defending their actions as timely and appropriate.