A persistent cost-of-living crisis

The central square in Beauvais. Tepid sales among traders were a mirror of the strain from a cost-of-living crisis affecting households across France. — ©2024 The New York Times Company

CELINE Gallois is more careful these days about what she puts in her shopping basket. Prices at French supermarkets have jumped by nearly a third in the last couple of years, and two bags, filled mainly with basics including pasta, milk, meat and fruit, now cost her about 80 euro – the most she can afford to spend each week.

The cost to fill up the gas tank of her small car jumped to 90 euros a week from 60 euros. And Gallois’ electricity bills, which President Emmanuel Macron’s government had capped during an energy crisis last year, shot up again in June after the subsidy ended.