With the nation’s finances in a parlous state, decriminalisation could raise millions of euros – as well as cut crime

France might not be broke , but the state of its public finances is, well, definitely not good. Total debt stands at €3.2tn – 112% of GDP. Interest payments on that debt are the second largest public expenditure after education (which includes everything from crêche , or preschool, to universities) and are higher than the amount spent on defence. And this year’s budget deficit is projected to be 6% , three points above the EU’s 3% limit .

If it weren’t for the euro, France might very well be in the throes of a fiscal crisis – as it is, interest rates on some French debt are higher than for Portugal or Spain.

With the nation’s finances in a parlous state, decriminalisation could raise millions of euros – as well as cut crime

France might not be broke , but the state of its public finances is, well, definitely not good. Total debt stands at €3.2tn – 112% of GDP. Interest payments on that debt are the second largest public expenditure after education (which includes everything from crêche , or preschool, to universities) and are higher than the amount spent on defence. And this year’s budget deficit is projected to be 6% , three points above the EU’s 3% limit .

If it weren’t for the euro, France might very well be in the throes of a fiscal crisis – as it is, interest rates on some French debt are higher than for Portugal or Spain.

With the nation’s finances in a parlous state, decriminalisation could raise millions of euros – as well as cut crime

France might not be broke , but the state of its public finances is, well, definitely not good. Total debt stands at €3.2tn – 112% of GDP. Interest payments on that debt are the second largest public expenditure after education (which includes everything from crêche , or preschool, to universities) and are higher than the amount spent on defence. And this year’s budget deficit is projected to be 6% , three points above the EU’s 3% limit .

If it weren’t for the euro, France might very well be in the throes of a fiscal crisis – as it is, interest rates on some French debt are higher than for Portugal or Spain.