France faces economic strain as bond yields hit 24-year high, Macron slams foreign comments

France faces mounting economic strain as its 10-year government bond yield hit a 24-year high Thursday, while President Emmanuel Macron condemned "unacceptable" and "stupid" comments from foreign leaders following mass protests and the worst rioting in years. Macron specifically criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, who blamed the unrest on "migrants, jihadists, and Communists" and urged Europe to close borders. Trump and other Republicans have cited the violence on the campaign trail ahead of U.S. midterms, while Iran's foreign minister also weighed in. Protests spread to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania, and Greece. Student union UNEF and "yellow vest" groups have called for more weekend rallies, and France may deploy military forces. Investors doubt fiscal consolidation as parliament debates the 2027 budget without a majority. Insured losses are estimated up to 1.2 billion euros, with potential ECB intervention if borrowing costs widen against Germany.