4 d. ago France has a massive debt crisis. So why is it spending billions a year subsidising business? | Alexander Hurst

The government is on the brink of collapse over planned austerity. Instead it must face up to the costs of its unnecessarily rigid labour marketAs someone who has always been against austerity, I find France, with a national debt at 114% of GDP and a budget deficit of 5.8% of GDP, a conundrum. Despite years of denunciation from his left and far-right opponents that Macron has engaged in “ultraneoliberalism”, there hasn’t been any. Not on a macro level, anyway, where both French government spending (57.3% of GDP) and tax receipts (51.4% of GDP) are among the highest in the world, including social spending, which outpaces any of its European neighbours.At the same time, it’s impossible to have spent the past decade in France without encountering the widely shared perception and accusation that public services are in decline. Doctors and nurses denounce a labour shortage in public hospitals; people who live in rural areas denounce the closing of rural train lines; students and academic...

Economics

4 d. ago Adam Idah won't see Celtic transfer fate defined by Dolberg as Tounekti deal on brink of collapse

The striker search is ramping up at Parkhead but Idah looks set to join Swansea City regardless of the conclusion

Economics

7 d. ago Sea current 'on brink of collapsing' and could freeze New York in epic winter

The key current in the Atlantic Ocean helps many of us in Europe keep warm during the winter months, but this could be about to change – according to new scientific research

Politics

8 d. ago Global emergency as key Atlantic current is on the brink of collapse

Scientists are sounding the alarm on the key Atlantic current after finding it is on the verge of collapsing, which would see extreme weather in parts of the US.

Politics

9 d. ago Beauty retailer with 130 stores 'could collapse into administration next week'

Health and beauty retailer Bodycare is reportedly on the brink of collapsing into administration.

Politics

3 w. ago Indian Super League in turmoil with domestic game on brink of collapse

Dispute between governing body and commercial partner has forced top-flight clubs to suspend player salariesCrystal Palace may be disappointed the court of arbitration for sport ruled against them on Monday but at least they now know their fate. Imagine if all Premier League clubs were waiting for a court decision that would, in effect, determine whether the season would go ahead at all. That is the situation the 14 Indian Super League (ISL) teams find themselves in. The whole of football there has been waiting for a ruling from the supreme court. It was expected in mid-July but has still not arrived. The season is due to start in September. Or at least, it was.The ISL, formed in 2013, has grown from eight teams to 14, becoming the top tier along the way. Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL) runs the competition but put the 2025-26 season on hold on 11 July. At the time, despite the shock, most stakeholders felt it would go ahead but confidence, trust and bank balances have taken ...

Sport

3 w. ago Claire's on brink of administration leaving 300 UK stores at risk

The high street retailer is on the brink of collapsing into administration

Events

3 w. ago Claire’s on brink of collapse with thousands of jobs at risk

The fashion giant’s hundreds of stores across the UK and Ireland are set to be put into administration

Society

3 w. ago BREAKING Major UK high street retailer Claire's on brink of collapse with 281 shops set to close

This is a breaking news story and is constantly being updated as the story develops

Politics

3 w. ago Major UK high street retailer Claire's on brink of collapse with 281 shops set to close

A spokesperson for the accessory shop Claire's said 'this decision, while difficult, is part of our broader effort to protect the long-term value of Claire's across all markets'

Politics

3 w. ago Claire's on brink of collapsing into administration with 281 stores at risk

This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.

Events

4 w. ago 'Disgusting' European holiday hotspot now on 'brink of collapse' due to overtourism

Many people have complained of how 'disgusting' the city has become. 'Yes, the residents are virtually extinct. Mass tourism has killed the city,' someone said.

Politics

4 w. ago European city 'on brink of collapse' as mass tourism makes it completely 'unliveable'

The popular city has been plagued by mass tourism in recent years, with the millions of annual visitors leading to a host of problems for locals as they say the city is on the brink of collapse

Society

4 w. ago 'Disgusting' European city 'on brink of collapse' as mass tourism makes it 'unliveable'

The popular city has long been overrun by tourists, with many residents saying it is now on the brink of collapse due to 'mass tourism' and 'crazy prices' in the region

Society

4 w. ago Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce on brink of collapse as working from home hits venue

Britain's biggest chamber files Notice of Intention to appoint administrators to 'safeguard the future of our business'

Events