Business · Companies · 10 hrs ago
Marc Endeweld traces the rise of finance in the French economy
Journalist Marc Endeweld’s new book traces French capitalism from the 1980s to today.
In *L’Argent magique*, he draws on accounts from officials, bankers and business lawyers who worked in the system.
The book argues that finance grew in France after the left came to power, following the initial excitement of May 1981.
The nationalisations that followed François Mitterrand’s election paradoxically helped precede new private fortunes.
Endeweld also sets France’s financialised economy against global competition, including pressure from the United States, China and major investment funds.
The story matters because it examines how political choices reshaped France’s economy and its place in global capitalism.
Journalist Marc Endeweld’s new investigation examines the rise of finance in the French economy from the 1980s to today.
For the book, he gathered accounts from senior civil servants, bankers and business lawyers who have worked in the field since the 1980s.
The article says French capitalism expanded after the left came to power, following the euphoria of May 1981.
It says the nationalisations that followed François Mitterrand’s election paradoxically anticipated the emergence of new private fortunes.
Endeweld’s book, L’Argent magique, is published by Seuil.
- Who
- Journalist Marc Endeweld examines the evolution of French capitalism.
- What
- His new investigation traces the rise of finance in France from the 1980s to today.
- When
- From the 1980s to today; the article was published on 16 October 2026.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- To understand how France’s economy became financialised. The article says a look back at the recent past is necessary.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The left came to power in France, after an episode of euphoria.
Nationalisations took place, which the article says paradoxically anticipated the rise of new private fortunes.
Endeweld’s sources have worked in the world of French capitalism.
Endeweld’s investigation traces the evolution of French capitalism through to the present.
- Author
- Marc Endeweld
- Book
- L’Argent magique
- Publisher
- Seuil
- Length
- 544 pages
- Price
- 23.50 euros
- Article publication
- 16 October 2026