Business · Markets · 8 hrs ago
France’s political and economic crisis could affect Canada, columnist warns
France is facing protests and a worsening economic crisis, including demonstrations over living costs and fuel prices.
The country’s parliament is split among three political blocs, and none has enough support to lead a legislative agenda.
The divided blocs have been unable to pass a budget to address the growing deficit.
The dispute reflects pressure to fund generous pensions while workers resist higher taxes and some voters oppose immigration.
The political deadlock leaves deficit reduction unresolved, and polling suggests Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon could reach the final round of next year’s presidential election.
A columnist warns the crisis could spread beyond France, putting Canada at risk of being affected even if it avoids the worst effects.
France is facing political deadlock and a worsening economic crisis, columnist John Rapley warns.
He says the crisis could spread beyond France and affect Canada.
France’s National Assembly is divided into three blocs that largely refuse to work together.
The deadlock is preventing the government from passing a budget to address the deficit.
Rapley says protests erupt when deficit-reduction measures are proposed, while opposition parties criticize the government.
- Who
- John Rapley, a contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail, warns of the risks. France’s government and its political blocs are at the centre of the crisis.
- What
- France’s political deadlock and economic crisis could have consequences for Canada.
- When
- The article was published on Oct. 23, 2026. It refers to the 2024 legislative elections and the presidential election expected next year.
- Where
- France, with possible effects on Canada.
- Why
- The National Assembly is split among three blocs that largely refuse to cooperate, making it difficult to pass a budget to address the deficit.
France’s centrist government
Opposition blocs
Budget measures
France’s centrist government
The government proposes measures to reduce the deficit.
Opposition blocs
The article says opposition parties capitalize on disorder to criticize the government.
Legislative elections left France’s National Assembly split into three blocs of about equal weight.
A photograph caption described nationwide protests against the cost of living and rising fuel prices as upcoming.
Polling for the presidential election suggests Marine Le Pen may face Jean-Luc Mélenchon in the second round.
- National Assembly
- Three blocs of about equal weight
- Deficit
- The government has been unable to pass a budget to address it
- National Rally
- Dominates the right bloc
- France Unbowed
- Dominates the left bloc
- Presidential election
- Expected next year, according to the article
What people are saying
What happens in France won’t stay in France.
The country, mired in riots and a worsening economic crisis, is but the weak link in a global chain.