France: social problems dominate the election campaign
In view of soaring fuel prices, the rising cost of living and the country's huge national debt, economic and social issues are dominating the campaign for the French presidential elections in spring 2027. Numerous calls for nationwide protests are already circulating on social media. The French press examines the problems waiting to be solved.
Austerity measures unavoidable
French voters want concrete answers to the country's pressing problems, Le Monde writes:
“According to the latest Ipsos poll, the most worrying issues for the French people are economic, financial and social. In their view, things need to change as quickly as possible in these areas. The challenges have therefore been clearly identified: to reduce the government's budget deficit, as well as public debt and government spending. The polls show that citizens are aware of the efforts that need to be made but would like to see a more even distribution of these burdens. ... The candidates have been warned: on these three issues, which are already at the heart of the election campaign, the bar has been set high: their answers must be neither vague, nor unrealistic, nor imprecise.”
Don’t add fuel to the fire
Ouest-France calls for a measured response:
“Although the Yellow Vests succeeded in having the carbon tax scrapped in 2018, they did not secure the resignation of the president on whom their anger was focused. ... Eight years on, Emmanuel Macron's departure is a foregone conclusion. ... Why put pressure on the government to cap prices or cut fuel taxes when a whole host of presidential candidates are proposing precisely that? ... Some people have a need for chaos. This is undeniable. But the majority know that this would only make the situation worse. ... Now more than ever, we can only hope that the 'responsible' politicians will reassure the public rather than continuing to add fuel to the fire.”
A winter of discontent is looming
France must face up to the uncomfortable economic reality, argues L'Opinion:
“Its standard of living must no longer be the result of immediate redistributive measures such as cash handouts, price caps or other subsidies, but must stem from growth, employment and investments aimed at boosting productivity – France must work harder. But will this message be heeded as the crises mount and the danger of the country being plunged into a 'winter of discontent' grow? The French people's anger is understandable: as their situation deteriorates they are outraged to see that the chaos in public finances is leaving them defenceless. And that the general impoverishment of the country is ultimately leading to individual impoverishment.”