French Public Debt Hits 117% of GDP as Interest Rates Reach Highest Since 2008
France's public debt has reached 117% of GDP with borrowing costs rising to the highest level since 2008, driven by inflation and geopolitical tensions.
Business news
Top stories
All Business news
French Public Debt Hits 117% of GDP as Interest Rates Reach Highest Since 2008
France's public debt has reached 117% of GDP with borrowing costs rising to the highest level since 2008, driven by inflation and geopolitical tensions.
French Government Considers Pension Freeze for Wealthier Retirees to Save Over €6 Billion
France's government plans to freeze or reduce pension increases for wealthier retirees holding pensions above €3,000 to save over €6 billion in the 2027 budget amid rising costs and political opposition.
EasyJet Cabin Crew Strike in France Leads to Cancellation of Over 100 Flights
EasyJet's French cabin crew strike causes over 100 flight cancellations amid calls for schedule stability and improved working conditions.
French Consumers Can Save Up to €130 Annually by Using CRE's New Gas Price Reference
Following France's 2023 gas tariff changes, consumers can save significantly by comparing their gas contracts to CRE's new monthly price reference and opting for more advantageous offers.
France Proposes Partial Freeze on Wealthy Retirees’ Pensions to Ease 2027 Budget Deficit
France’s Economy Minister proposes partial pension freezes on wealthy retirees to control budget deficit amid inflation concerns and political challenges.
2026 Heatwaves and Droughts Could Cost French Economy up to €15 Billion
France could face up to €15 billion in economic losses from the 2026 summer heatwaves and droughts, impacting agriculture and GDP growth.
2026 Solar Eclipse Drives Tourism and Retail Boom in France and Spain
The 2026 solar eclipse is stimulating major economic gains in France and Spain through tourism, retail, and airline sectors, with millions in sales and bookings.
Youth Unemployment in France Soars Above 20% in 2026 Amid Global Challenges
France faces a sharp rise in youth unemployment, now surpassing 20%, with AI's growing impact and global trends intensifying challenges for young workers.
Banque de France Forecasts Modest 0.2% GDP Growth in Q3 Amid Heatwave Uncertainties
France's GDP is expected to grow modestly in Q3 2026, supported by merchant services and tempered by heatwave-related risks, according to the Banque de France.
Banque de France Forecasts 0.2% GDP Growth for France in Q3 2026 Amid Heatwave Challenges
The Banque de France anticipates a 0.2% GDP growth for Q3 2026, noting sectoral impacts from heatwaves and increased energy demand amid economic uncertainties.
French Press Alliance Demands Google Honor 2022 Commitments on AI Summaries
The Alliance of nearly 300 French newspapers urges France's competition authority to ensure Google complies with its 2022 commitments on AI-generated news summaries.
France's New Telemarketing Ban Sparks Job Concerns in Morocco
France's August 2026 ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls requires prior consent, threatening tens of thousands of Moroccan call center jobs dependent on the French market.
2026 Heatwave and Drought Hit French Economy Hard, Closing Businesses and Reducing Production
France's third 2026 heatwave and widespread drought are causing significant economic losses by closing car washes, reducing mussel production, and affecting leisure businesses due to water restrictions and extreme heat.
Severe 2026 Summer Drought Disrupts European River Transport and Economy
The 2026 summer drought has critically lowered European river levels, hampering navigation and goods transport, with serious economic impacts across France and Europe.
Corsican Local Businesses Struggle Amid Declining Activity and Cash Flow Crises in 2026
Corsica's local businesses face declining activity and acute cash flow challenges in 2026, prompting urgent calls for government support.
Bernard Arnault Tops French Richest Families Amid Luxury Market Slowdown Impacting Regional Fortunes
Market slowdown causes significant losses for Hermès family, reshapes France's wealth rankings with Bernard Arnault taking the lead and regional fortunes in decline.
France's Economy Shows Modest Growth in Q2 2023 Amid Inflation and Climate Challenges
France's Q2 2023 GDP grew by 0.2% driven by consumer spending and exports, but challenges like rising inflation, heatwave-affected manufacturing, and environmental concerns pose risks to future growth.
Unemployment Rate in France Hits 8.3% in Q2 2026, Highest Since 2020
France's unemployment rate rises to 8.3% in Q2 2026, the highest since 2020, with youth and women disproportionately affected amidst economic challenges.
France's Public Budget Deficit Rises to €106.8 Billion in First Half of 2026
France’s budget deficit climbed to €106.8 billion in H1 2026 due to rising spending and debt interest despite higher revenues.
2026 European Drought Severely Disrupts Economy, Transport, and Energy
Extreme drought and historic low river levels in 2026 have disrupted Europe's economy, transport, and energy sectors, causing significant losses and supply chain challenges.
Economic Crisis Deepens for Gironde Entrepreneurs as Wildfire Recovery Efforts Intensify
Local Gironde entrepreneurs face severe financial losses from the 2026 wildfires as officials push for urgent government support and recovery measures.
France Faces Rising Public Debt and Economic Strain Amid Summer Challenges
France's debt repayment rates reach a 17-year peak amid rising budget deficits, energy costs, and industrial production challenges influenced by recent heatwaves and geopolitical tensions.
Historic Drought Along Danube and Rhine Rivers Threatens Central European Economy
Severe drought in 2026 has caused historic low water levels in the Danube and Rhine, disrupting transport, energy production, and threatening Central Europe's economy.
Recovery Efforts Intensify as 2026 Saumos Wildfires Recede, Economic Challenges Persist
As authorities downgrade wildfire threat levels and reopen key camping sites in Saumos, economic hardships persist despite government efforts to revive tourism in the aftermath of the 2026 wildfires.
France Tightens Foreign Investment Controls with New Decree Lowering Intervention Threshold
France lowers the foreign investment threshold from 25% to 10% in strategic sectors, allowing the government to block sensitive foreign acquisitions more effectively.
Local Initiatives at the Heart of Macron's Reindustrialization Strategy
A collective of local officials pushes for regional focus in France's reindustrialization, advocating for sustained support to SMEs and coordinated long-term industrial policy.
Southwest France Tourism Struggles and Recovery Efforts Post-2026 Wildfires
Tourism in Southwest France cautiously resumes after 2026 wildfires amid government-led reconstruction and insurance scrutiny efforts.
French Manufacturing PMI and Mortgage Data Spotlight France's Fragile Economic Recovery on August 2, 2026
France's July manufacturing PMI and mortgage market data reveal a fragile recovery, set against global pressures from Super El Niño and geopolitical tensions.
Gironde Wildfires Devastate Local Economy as Tourism and Business Recovery Remains Fragile
The 2026 Gironde wildfires have severely disrupted local businesses and tourism, prompting urgent recovery efforts amid significant economic losses.
French Economy Shows Resilience Amid Inflation and Rising Costs in Mid-2026
France's economy in mid-2026 shows resilience amid inflation, energy and food price rises, and a cautious luxury sector recovery led by strong U.S. demand.
French Economy Shows Modest 0.2% Growth in Q2 2026 Amid Mixed Signals
France's economy grew 0.2% in Q2 2026, boosted by trade and consumption but weighed down by investment declines and geopolitical uncertainties.
French Economy Shows Modest 0.2% Growth in Q2 2026 Amid Environmental Concerns
France's GDP grew 0.2% in Q2 2026, driven by exports and consumption rebound, but investment declines and heatwaves raise concerns.
Bagnères-de-Bigorre's Thermal Baths and Casino Drive Local Economy Amid Strategic Debates
Bagnères-de-Bigorre debates thermal bath association membership and highlights casino's economic role, underpinning the town's local economy.
French Government Mobilizes Economic Support for Gironde Wildfire-Affected Businesses
The French government convenes to address economic damages from Gironde wildfires impacting thousands of businesses and jobs.
France Faces Economic Toll of 2026 Wildfires with Extensive Support Measures Underway
After France's destructive 2026 wildfires, officials roll out extensive financial and psychological support amid soaring insurance claims and environmental concerns.
Gironde Wildfires Devastate Local Economy, Threaten Key Industries and Tourism
The Gironde wildfires severely disrupt local industries, threaten key sites, and cause widespread business and tourism losses, prompting government aid measures.
France Grapples With Prolonged 2026 Heat Wave and Economic Strains on Rail Sector
A prolonged heat wave has triggered warnings across 16 French departments while SNCF faces 70 million euros in losses amid robust profits.
Gironde Wildfires: Stabilization Offers Temporary Relief Amid Economic Woes and Community Solidarity
Temporary wildfire stabilization in Gironde provides relief amid economic challenges and strong community volunteer and solidarity efforts.
Economic Toll of Gironde Wildfires Deepens with 14,500 Businesses Affected
Wildfires in Gironde have forced 14,500 businesses to close, impacting 130,000 workers and threatening key sectors like tourism and agriculture, prompting urgent government support measures.
Gironde Wildfires Trigger Massive Economic Disruption Affecting Over 13,000 Businesses
The 2026 Gironde wildfires have forced over 13,000 businesses to halt operations, affecting up to 150,000 workers, with government and insurers stepping in to support displaced residents and companies.
The top news stories in France
Delivered straight to your inbox each morning.