Businesses Drive French Economy Amid Rising Financial Challenges for Youth

On February 19, 2026, a roundtable titled "Businesses Irrigate the French Economy" highlighted the vital role of enterprises in France's economic framework. The event featured Julien Faucogney, president of CATTINAIR, and Julien Tuffery, president of Atelier TUFFERY, alongside an economist yet to be confirmed. They discussed how businesses underpin economic activity and contribute to national prosperity.

In parallel, significant financial challenges facing young people in France were brought to light by François Villeroy de Galhau, Governor of the Banque de France. During a hearing with the National Assembly's Finance Committee, he expressed deep concern over the growing reliance on minicrédits—small loans typically around 200 euros—that he described as a "soft drug" for youth due to their addictive and harmful financial impact.

Villeroy de Galhau shared alarming statistics revealing a sharp rise in over-indebtedness among young people under 30, which surged by 36% from 12,500 cases in 2024 to 17,000 in 2025. The trend is even more pronounced among 18 to 25-year-olds, who saw a 65% increase in cases, reaching approximately 5,000 last year. He warned that taking multiple minicrédits can quickly accumulate debt, citing the example of ten such loans totaling 2,000 euros.

The governor emphasized the pressing need for enhanced regulation of minicrédits to protect young borrowers from escalating debt problems. These financial strains have broad social and economic implications, underscoring the importance of balancing business growth with accessible and responsible financial services.

This dual focus on enterprise vitality and youth financial vulnerability presents a complex picture of the French economy today. While enterprises continue to fuel economic development, challenges around financial access and indebtedness among young people call for coordinated policy approaches to sustain economic health and social stability.