France records more deaths than births for first time since end of second world war

The GuardianWednesday, January 14, 2026 at 1:30:32 PM
France records more deaths than births for first time since end of second world war
  • For the first time since the end of World War II, France has reported more deaths than births, with 651,000 deaths compared to 645,000 births in 2025, indicating a significant demographic shift. This trend suggests that France's historical demographic advantage within the EU is diminishing as the nation grapples with an ageing population and declining birth rates.
  • This demographic change is critical as it may impact France's economy, social services, and overall population dynamics, raising concerns about future workforce sustainability and economic growth.
  • The situation is compounded by ongoing challenges in the social security system, as the French parliament has recently approved a budget that includes measures such as increased taxes and tightened sick-leave regulations, reflecting broader issues of financial strain and demographic pressures facing the country.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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