France in Deep Trouble — Riots Erupt as Economic Pressure Mounts

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#financement

France’s economic problems are spilling onto the streets. Mass demonstrations over living costs and struggling public services have been accompanied by looting, fires and attacks on public buildings. But what is driving the anger—and why is the government finding it so difficult to respond?

In this video, I explain the pressures facing households, France’s huge budget deficit, rising government debt and the political divisions making reform difficult. With French bond yields climbing, borrowing costs are adding another squeeze to already stretched public finances.

I also explain the Yellow Vest movement, the parallels with May 1968, and how prolonged instability in the European Union’s second-largest economy could affect trade, businesses and financial markets beyond France.

Can the government bring its finances under control without making living standards and public services worse or will France's debt problem become Europe's next major financial crisis?