France's borrowing costs hit their highest level since 2002 as Greece now borrows more CHEAPLY than Paris

France's 10-year bond yield has climbed by over 130 basis points since June, breaking through 4.9 per cent. Greece, once the defining example of sovereign bankruptcy, now borrows at just 4.36 per cent. French national debt is approaching 120 per cent of GDP, its highest since the immediate aftermath of World War II. Further protests are anticipated as the country's fractured political class remains deadlocked over how to plug the gap.

Hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets, with some rioting and looting, over budget cuts.

Soaring interest bills are eating into tax money meant for schools and hospitals.

In 2012, Greece forced bondholders to accept a 53.5 per cent cut in what they were owed.