https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-s-debt-climbs-to-highest-since-1978Continuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-s-debt-climbs-to-highest-since-1978https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-s-debt-climbs-to-highest-since-1978#u80625Tue, 22 Sep 2026 22:10:49 +0000France's public debt has climbed to its highest level since 1978, creating fiscal strain that impacts European defense and bond markets. The French finance ministry expects debt to reach nearly 120% of GDP in 2026, while other projections suggest it will exceed 120% by 2027. In response to the deficit, Premier Lecornu has proposed significant spending cuts. Market volatility has pushed the French bond risk premium to levels not seen since 2012, with the yield premium recently rising to one percentage point.Why it mattersHigh debt levels limit the government's ability to fund strategi