France's debt reaches three-decade high as austerity measures intensify
France's debt hits three-decade high at 121.7% GDP by 2027 despite 54 billion euro austerity measures.
Event / Politics
France Economic Outlook 2026-2027
France's economic projections and fiscal policy developments for 2026-2027, including debt forecasts, budget adjustments, and deficit reduction measures.
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2026-08-22 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 22 Aug, 15:51 UTC
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What happened
EU fuel tax implementation postponed from 2027 to 2028
The new European fiscal policy on fossil fuel taxes, originally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, has been postponed to 2028. This delay places the implementation after the French presidential election.
Proposed EU fuel tax could increase fuel prices by 10-15 cents per liter
The new European tax on fossil fuels is expected to increase fuel prices by approximately 10 to 15 cents per liter when implemented. Current fuel taxation already represents approximately 60% of the price paid at the pump in France, including VAT, fuel excise taxes, and other energy-related levies.
Current fuel taxation represents 60% of retail pump prices in France
Existing fuel taxation in France comprises approximately 60% of the final price paid by consumers at the pump. This includes VAT, fuel excise taxes, VAT applied on these taxes, and various mechanisms affecting energy costs. France's taxation levels are already particularly high compared to European minimum standards.
Social-democratic primary scheduled for October 2026 in France
The Socialist Party and Place Publique announced a social-democratic primary scheduled for October 10-11, 2026, to select their candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Multiple candidates, including Raphaël Glucksmann, Ségolène Royal, Jérôme Guedj, and Philippe Brun, are competing in the primary.
Raphaël Glucksmann participates in Medef debate with six other presidential candidates
Raphaël Glucksmann was scheduled to participate in a major debate organized by Medef on August 27, 2026, alongside six other declared presidential candidates: Marine Le Pen, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Édouard Philippe, Gabriel Attal, Bruno Retailleau, and Marine Tondelier.
Violent storms strike Landes region, leaving 7,500 households without power
Violent storms swept through the Landes region of France, leaving approximately 7,500 households without electricity.
City of Cannes tests nitrous oxide detector for traffic controls
The city of Cannes announced it would test a new detector for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during routine vehicle traffic controls.
Raphaël Glucksmann announces candidacy for 2027 French presidential election
Raphaël Glucksmann, a deputy and leader of the Place Publique party, announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election on August 23, 2026, during the TF1 20-hour news broadcast. He stated he would first participate in a social-democratic primary organized by the Socialist Party and Place Publique in October 2026.
Jacques Moretti detained on domestic violence charges in Crans-Montana fire investigation
Jacques Moretti, the primary suspect in the investigation of an incendiary fire in Crans-Montana, was placed in provisional detention on charges related to domestic violence. The fire occurred nine months prior to this detention.
Breton cider producer faces 30-70% crop losses from drought and heatwaves
A cider producer in Brittany, France, faces losses of 30-70% of apple harvests due to repeated droughts and heat waves in summer 2026.
Place Publique demands charter excluding alliances with La France Insoumise
Place Publique requested a charter of values for the social-democratic primary that would explicitly exclude any form of agreement with La France Insoumise, including at the legislative level, to define the party's identity and political boundaries.
Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella lead favorability rankings at 37%
As of early August 2026, Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella each held 37% favorable opinions in polling rankings, significantly ahead of other presidential candidates.
Drowning deaths increase 14% in France compared to previous year
France recorded 301 drowning deaths from June 19, 2026 onward, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Yannick Jadot endorses Raphaël Glucksmann for 2027 presidency
Yannick Jadot, a former Green Party presidential candidate and senator, announced his support for Raphaël Glucksmann on August 24, 2026, stating Glucksmann was the best-positioned candidate to reconcile social justice, ecological imperatives, and democracy, and to prevent far-right rule.
Glucksmann polling at 8-12% for 2027 presidential election
Polling institutes including Elabe, Ifop, and Toluna Harris Interactive measured Raphaël Glucksmann's support at 8-12% of first-round voting intentions as of July 2026, with occasional peaks at 14%. The Cluster17 institute recorded 23% favorable opinions for Glucksmann in early August 2026, placing him 14th among candidates tested.
Léa Salamé steps down from France 2 evening news anchor role
Léa Salamé, anchor of the 20 Heures (8 PM news program) on France 2 since one year prior, stepped down from the position effective Monday, August 24, 2026, citing conflict of interest concerns related to her partner's presidential candidacy. She made the announcement via Instagram on Monday morning.
Léa Salamé to continue hosting Saturday talk show without political guests during election period
Salamé will continue to host her Saturday talk show "Quelle Époque!" beginning September 19, 2026, but will do so without political guests during the presidential campaign period to avoid conflicts of interest.
Jean-Baptiste Marteau assumes interim anchor duties at France 2 evening news
Jean-Baptiste Marteau, 43, who served as backup anchor for Léa Salamé, began covering the 20 Heures anchor position on Monday, August 24, 2026, following Salamé's departure.
Raphaël Glucksmann announces candidacy for French presidency through Socialist Party primary
Raphaël Glucksmann, a Member of European Parliament from Place publique, announced his candidacy for the French presidential election on Sunday evening, stating his intention to run for the presidency "to lift up France" through participation in the Socialist Party primary.
Raphaël Glucksmann officially enters 2027 presidential race
Raphaël Glucksmann officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election as the candidate for Place Publique. The poll shows him at 10% of voting intentions in various scenarios.
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2 alternative perspectives
France accelerates 2027 budget adoption amid fiscal pressures
France pursues rapid 2027 budget adoption through pension changes and corporate tax relief amid fiscal pressures.
France downgrades 2026 growth to 0.5%, deficit hits 5%
France cuts 2026 growth forecast to 0.5% while budget deficit balloons above 5%.
France reduces corporate tax, introduces employee ownership plan for 2027
France cuts corporate taxes and launches employee ownership plan in 2027 budget strategy amid left-wing criticism.
Lecornu examines salary cuts for ministers and parliament amid budget crisis
Lecornu studies ministerial and parliamentary salary cuts to address France's budget crisis.
Ciotti unveils alliance framework and policy platform for 2027
Ciotti proposes Le Pen alliance with platform emphasizing territorial reform, pension restructuring, and immigration restrictions.
Zemmour expected to announce second presidential candidacy for 2027
Zemmour expected to announce second 2027 presidential candidacy.
Knafo open to joining RN government; Bardella named future Prime Minister
RN designates Bardella as future PM; Knafo open to joining government if party wins.
Lecornu convenes government amid cyberattacks, climate disasters, budget crisis
Lecornu convenes government amid cyberattacks, climate disasters, and budget standoff threatening billions.
Left-wing primary scheduled for October 9-10 and 16-17
Left-wing primary scheduled for October 9-10 and 16-17 to select 2027 presidential nominee.
Glucksmann unveils education platform with teacher pay and class size reforms
Glucksmann proposes teacher raises, smaller classes, and school diversity requirements in education platform.
Le Pen maintains commanding polling lead across all 2027 scenarios
Le Pen maintains commanding polling lead at 35-38% across all 2027 scenarios.