According to an Ipsos BVA survey for La Tribune Dimanche, a huge majority of French people are pessimistic about the economic situation in France. The survey from May 10th reveals that 30% of them consider the country’s debt and deficits as one of their top three concerns, behind the purchasing power and the future of the social system. Supporters of the presidential camp (Renaissance, MoDem, and Horizons) are the most concerned, followed by those of the PS (33%) and the RN (33%).
This concern stems from the acceleration of inflation. It rose by 2.2% in April, up from 1.7% in March, driven by oil prices. French people feel that the government has limited room to act on fuel prices. The government has implemented targeted help at the pump instead of general assistance, as during the last crisis in 2022, in line with Brussels’ recommendations. However, stagnant growth also worries the French. According to the latest estimates from INSEE, GDP did not increase in the last quarter.
But it’s not just the country’s economic situation that worries the French. The same survey reveals that 88% are concerned about the state of the global economy. This is disrupted by the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has a significant impact on oil prices, not only in France but also on exports to the American market. The imposition of new tariffs by Donald Trump has caused disruptions, with tariffs of 15% on EU products exported to the US, despite Trump’s willingness to reconsider them.
[Context: Concern over the economy and global economic conditions in France. Fact Check: The survey conducted by Ipsos BVA for La Tribune Dimanche and the economic data provided by INSEE are reliable sources for evaluating public sentiment and economic trends.]
