Topic: Public Sector

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in France to oppose President Emmanuel Macron's economic reforms, including changes to job-for-life contracts at state-owned railways. While some reforms have public support, unions representing six million public sector workers have initiated strikes. Macron has stated he will not surrender to the pressure, leading to clashes between police and protesters in Paris.

Italy implemented new austerity measures including a Value Added Tax (VAT) increase from 20% to 21%. Other measures include a freeze on public sector salaries until 2014, raising the retirement age for women to 65, and new taxes on the energy sector. The hosts debate the mathematical impact of the 1% tax increase on consumer costs.