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The Journal.

The Money Problem Fueling France’s Riots

October 23, 2026
The Money Problem Fueling France’s Riots

This past weekend, mayhem broke out alongside peaceful demonstrations in France. What started as a protest over school resources spiralled into anger over potential big cuts to social services. For years the country had a high appetite for borrowed money taken out at low interest rates. But today France is facing a fiscal reckoning as more than $1 trillion of that debt will come due by 2030. WSJ’s Stacy Meichtry explains how France’s debt bomb contributed to the unrest. Ryan Knutson hosts.

Further Listening:

- Germany’s Economy Is Broken. There’s No Plan B.

- Will France Elect a Far-Right President?

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