France’s main problem is its inability to reduce public debt, economist says

Updated: 12/10/2026 - 10:07 GMT+2 French economist Nicolas Bouzou says France's economic growth is not strong enough to sustain the country's welfare state. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT France is facing a delicate economic and political balancing act. Thousands of students are taking to the streets to demand more resources and better conditions, while the government struggles to repair public finances already under severe pressure. Bouzou identifies two key challenges for France: its inability to reduce public debt and growing political uncertainty as the country prepares for presidential elections next spring. With the deficit at around 5% of GDP and public debt approaching 120%, the government has little room for further spending to ease the crisis.