Editorial: Le Monde

• France's economy, like its neighbouring countries, is facing a slowdown in growth due to mainly international factors.
• The French government has for some time been overestimating the GDP growth rate at 1.4% for this year.
• A 10 billion euro austerity plan has been announced to maintain some credibility with creditors and European partners.
• The government has avoided parliamentary debate on the adjusted budget to avoid associated political cost.
• Even desperate for measures that do not satisfy current and future circumstances, the government continues to claim the nation lives beyond its means.
• The fiscal irresponsibility displayed by the oppositions in relative majority aggravates the crisis.
• The government pretends to say that austerity measures will only affect the State, not the citizens, making collective awareness difficult.

Conclusion: France's apparent inability to manage its public deficits reflects an underlying democratic malaise and a need to reevaluate its fiscal policies and priorities.

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