France: Poverty Rate Hits 30-Year High Amid Protests Against Rising Cost of Living
Mass protests over deteriorating purchasing power have erupted in France as official statistics reveal poverty rates have reached an unprecedented peak in at least three decades.
- France's poverty rate reaches its highest level in at least thirty years.
- Data from the statistics institute (Insee) records 9.8 million people living below the poverty line in 2024.
- Approximately 15.5% of the population lives on less than €1,337 per month for a single person, amid public mobilization against inflation.
Mass demonstrations took place in France on Thursday, November 5, denouncing deteriorating purchasing power and the continuous rise in the cost of living. These mobilizations come against the backdrop of a worsening economic and social reality revealed by recent figures showing that the country's poverty rate has reached levels unprecedented for at least three decades.
Record Figures for Fragile Living Conditions
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee), France now has 9.8 million people living below the poverty line in 2024. This figure represents approximately 15.5% of the total population in France, with these individuals forced to live on less than 60% of the median income per month, which practically translates to an income of less than €1,337 per month for a single person.
High Cost of Living Exacerbates Daily Pressures
These stifling economic conditions are at the heart of the issues that triggered the current wave of protests against rising prices, as daily difficulties and high living costs further complicate everyday necessities, especially for the most vulnerable segments, workers, and low-income earners, according to France 24 journalist Ludovic De Foucaud.
Source: France 24
Comments (0)
You must log in to comment on articles.
Log in Sign upBe the first to comment on this article.