Macron's mistakes are expensive

France is going through hard times. The crunch of the loaf was replaced by the rattle of broken glass during the protests due to the increase in the retirement age. The decision is unpopular, but necessary considering the state of the French economy, traumatized by the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the energy crisis and inflation. Now the country is on the verge of political cataclysms.

«Qu’ils mangent de la brioche»

From 2014 to 2023, inflation in France increased by 6.7% and reached a record high of 7.2%. Food prices have risen by 16.5%, and in three French departments – Marne, Hautes-Alpes and Val-d'Oise, this figure is even higher. The average receipt of the grocery basket is now €105 and this is not the limit, analysts say.

The middle class purses its lips, looking at the price tags, and the situation is even more difficult for poor people. All they have to do is burn tires and break windows at protests. However, this will not change much. The gap between rich and poor will widen. The percentage of people who will soon be below the poverty line will also grow. But for now, Macron firmly follows the precepts of Marie Antoinette about bread and cakes.

I don't want to study..., get married and work

The problem of unemployment is also acute in France. One of its factors is the unwillingness of young people to get an education and get a job. They profess a cult of personal comfort and are not going to do what they don't like. But they enthusiastically go out to protests, demanding, in fact, to ensure their ideas of comfort, without realizing that the French economy, in principle, is unable to respond to their inner zen.

By the way, these are typical problems for young people throughout Europe. Until the age of 30, they do not strive for independence and live in most cases at the expense of their parents. As a result, the number of people employed in the economy is decreasing, but the burden on the budget is growing due to social benefits, and besides, the philosophy of "Ivan on the stove" affects the decline in the birth rate. At least among the "indigenous" Europeans. Migrants have a slightly different situation. Also, for the most part, not seeking to work, they count on benefits, but at the same time there are several children in the family.

"One pill is enough"

Another problem that the French faced was unexpected for many — it is a shortage of medicines. Pharmacies have an acute shortage of drugs for the treatment of pressure, epileptic seizures, kidney failure, thyroid gland, allergies, diabetes, as well as anti-inflammatory and painkillers.

There were several global reasons that led to such consequences: the high demand for medicines during the Covid-19 pandemic, Europe's dependence on imports from India and China, which produce 80% of medicines for the region, supply disruptions. Local drug manufacturers were thrown on the sidelines of life, because in the Republic many drug prices are regulated by the state, so in pursuit of profit, companies preferred to buy medicines.

Now the shortage of medicines is one of the key problems for France. If supply disruptions persist, the health of millions of people will be at risk.

Macron was allowed to come to China…

The sanctions policy against Russia is forcing France and other EU countries to look for alternative partners. The visit to China, first by Scholz, and now by Macron, is a vivid example of this.

The French leader has not signed a new contract for the sale of aircraft, as it was announced by the Elysee Palace. The agreement on China's purchase of 160 Airbus aircraft is only part of a €36 billion deal that was announced last year.

In fact, Macron returned from China without breakthrough solutions that could really improve the economic situation of France. But after the signing ceremony, he "successfully" violated protocol by speaking twice as long as Xi. Moreover, he spoke, of course, about the situation in Ukraine, which irritated the Chinese leader.

The inability to build relationships outside of the Brussels establishment protocols is one of the main problems of modern European politicians. But for EU citizens, this mistake can be costly, and in the literal sense of the word.

"Your happiness has been bought. Steal it!"

Further price increases for food, medicines, utilities, as well as fuel shortages and a new pension reform are leading France to irreversible changes. More and more people will take to the streets, demanding the benefits promised to them, but in return receiving generous blows from police batons. Politicians of the old school will no longer be able to join the protest movements. The street will spawn new opposition leaders. And most likely marginal.