Spending cuts needed to tackle France’s colossal debt, Michel Barnier tells MPs

New prime minister receives applause and boos in national assembly as he urges political forces to work together

In his first address to the French parliament, the new prime minister, Michel Barnier, has said colossal" debt is a financial sword of Damocles" hanging over the country, requiring cuts in public spending and tax increases.

In an hour-long inaugural address, Barnier was alternately heckled and applauded as he outlined his minority government's political programme in the national assembly, which remains deeply divided. The lower house is split between three political blocs, none of which emerged with a majority after June's snap general election.