Amid rising debt levels and mounting pressure from opposition politicians, the spirit of the “Swabian housewife” is making a comeback in both France and Italy. In an effort to address their skyrocketing deficits, these countries are considering more than €20 billion in spending cuts for next year. The parallels to the Greek debt crisis are evident as both nations grapple with the consequences of their pandemic-era subsidies straining their budgets. The International Monetary Fund has raised alarms about the situation, with former Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti expressing concerns about the lack of awareness and determination to address the debt problem. As they seek to stabilize their finances and avoid economic turmoil, both countries are preparing for tough times ahead.