Protests and Reform Pressure - Rising Interest Rates Blow Up France's Budget
France is facing a financial crisis due to rising interest rates and high national debt, prompting the government to allocate additional funds for education despite limited resources. The country’s debt stands at around 120% of GDP, significantly higher than Germany's 65%. As interest costs soar, the government anticipates paying over 79 billion euros in interest in 2026, potentially rising to 130 billion euros by 2030. Political instability and public protests complicate fiscal reforms, with parties on both ends of the spectrum making costly promises. Experts warn that the situation could lead to a financial crisis if not addressed.