France’s public debt reaches 119% of GDP, highest since 1946
Insee said the debt ratio reached its highest level since 1946 as borrowing costs rose and the government prepared a record 2027 bond sale.
- On Tuesday, the Agence France Trésor announced plans to borrow a record €340 billion in 2027, representing 28 billion euros more than this year to finance government spending and repay debt coming due.
- France faces these borrowing needs as its public deficit is forecast to hit 5.4 percent of GDP this year, exceeding the three percent limit mandated by international EU rules.
- Borrowing costs have surged, with French 10-year bonds trading at 4.8 percent on Tuesday, reaching levels last seen during the global financial crisis and straining government finances.
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu vowed earlier this month to cut the deficit without austerity, yet faces pressure to reduce spending with presidential elections approaching in months.
- The AFT announcement arrives two days before the government presents its 2027 state budget, with officials planning to issue medium- and long-term bonds to raise the required funds.
118 Articles
118 Articles
France's public debt has hit record levels during President Emmanuel Macron's two terms in office, unnerving investors and emerging as a key issue ahead of next year's presidential election.
French debt increased by €59.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026, between April and June. It now accounts for 119 % of GDP. To cope with this, the French debt has increased by €59.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026. It now accounts for 119 % of GDP.
France's public debt hits records as economy takes center stage in French election
France's public debt has climbed to a record during the two terms of President Emmanuel Macron, unsettling investors and emerging as a defining issue ahead of next year's presidential election.
France’s public debt hits records as economy takes center stage in French election
PARIS (AP) — France’s public debt has climbed to a record during the two terms of President Emmanuel Macron, unsettling investors and emerging as a defining issue ahead of next year’s presidential election. With France already gripped by deep social tensions, the candidates vying to succeed Macron are under pressure to explain how they would...
A look at France's public debt as economy takes centre stage in French Presidential election
France's public debt has climbed to unprecedented levels, currently reaching 119 per cent of its GDP. The increasing debt burden poses significant challenges for the government and upcoming presidential election candidates. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu plans to unveil the 2027 draft budget in response to the growing financial concern.
France debt hits 119% of GDP, putting 2027 election plans under scrutiny
France's public debt has climbed to a record 119 per cent of GDP, fuelling a fierce political fight over the 2027 budget. With investors uneasy and borrowing costs rising, rival plans to cut or freeze debt are now shaping the presidential race.
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