Economic strain in France includes weak growth and a debt path that official projections put at 120 percent of GDP by 2027. France, the European Union’s second-largest economy, is facing sluggish growth and rising public debt, projected to reach 120 percent of GDP by 2027. Inflation across both the European Union and the eurozone hit 3.8 percent in September, up from 2.1 percent in 2024.
Price rises of 3.8 percent in September, compared with 2.1 percent in 2024, have added to pressure on households across the EU and the eurozone.
Student protests that began in France over deteriorating school conditions, teacher shortages and an education system under pressure have grown into a broader wave of discontent over the rising cost of living, unaffordable housing and struggling public services.
The protests sit against mounting economic pressure and questions over whether governments already struggling to maintain public trust face a wider crisis of discontent.
What started as a school-focused movement in France has become a groundswell over living costs and public services.
The spread of protests has raised the question of whether Europe is approaching a tipping point for public trust in governments.
Demonstrations have been reported in several other EU countries as the discontent has moved beyond French campuses.