Finance minister warns France could be 'headed for a wall' as its economy shrinks again ahead of weekend protests
Emmanuel Macron whose government's borrowing costs jumped to 4.944% on 10-year bonds after GDP shrank 0.1% — a contraction analysts had forecast as a 0.1% rise.A data graphic on France's economic performance, as investment contracted for a second consecutive quarter alongside the export slump.
France's economy contracted for the second time this year in Q3 2026, shrinking 0.1% between July and September, with investment falling 0.6% and exports slumping 1.7%. Finance Minister Roland Lescure told France Info radio that "for three quarters now, there has been no growth," leaving the country at a virtual standstill even as the rest of the eurozone outperformed expectations.
New nationwide protests over soaring living costs are expected this weekend, with authorities warning of a 'very high risk of public disorder' after riots two weeks ago.
The wider eurozone grew 0.4% in Q3 — double economists' forecasts — boosted partly by Ireland's 5.5% surge, with Spain and the Netherlands both up 0.6%.
