The 'End of the Road for Austerity Politics' Shared by France and Japan: The Limits Seen in the Macron and Takaichi Administrations
In France, anger against the Macron administration's austerity policies has exploded, leading to the successive collapse of prime ministers.
Meanwhile, in Japan, politics that prioritize 'fiscal reconstruction' above all else continue, leading to the further exhaustion of the public's livelihood.
France protests with demonstrations, while Japan protests with silence.
By comparing the 'end of the road for austerity politics' that France and Japan are following, we consider what is necessary for the regeneration of democracy.
The political situation in France is in turmoil once again.
Against a government pushing for fiscal austerity under President Macron, public anger is rising, and a pattern is repeating where even after a prime minister is appointed, they do not last long and are brought down by a vote of no confidence in parliament.
For example, in October 2025, new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was forced to resign just 26 days after taking office, deepening the political crisis.
This is because policies that prioritize fiscal discipline, such as pension reform and public spending cuts, are resulting in widespread hardship in daily life. On October 2, a large-scale strike and demonstration involving at least 195,000 people took place nationwide, with labor unions demanding the withdrawal of budget cuts.
Macron insisted on fiscal reconstruction as a 'model student of Europe,' but the results have returned in the form of public exhaustion and political distrust.
Waves of demonstrations are spreading on the streets again, with everyone from workers to students raising their voices to say, 'We can't take it anymore.'
Even if the government falls, if the next administration continues the same austerity path, the anger will not subside—this is the vicious cycle they are trapped in. Aides to the Macron administration are advocating for further fiscal austerity, but this is highly likely to deal a serious blow to the middle class.
■ Political Distrust Born from Austerity
The slogan of fiscal consolidation sounds reasonable at first glance.
However, for the public, 'soundness' should mean that their own lives are sustainable, not the state's balance sheet.
For whose benefit is the surplus achieved by cutting pensions and public services? In France, such policies have exacerbated the 2025 debt crisis and raised concerns about violations of EU fiscal rules.
In France, this manifests as intense protest action.
In Japan, it does not lead to such direct confrontation, but an apathy of 'politics won't change anyway' is spreading.
Though the forms differ, both share a 'loss of trust in politics.' Both countries are trapped in a lack of leadership and political deadlock, threatening the sustainability of democracy.
■ Japan is in the Same Composition
In Japan, too, the 'primary balance surplus' advocated by the Ministry of Finance has been a long-standing curse. The goal of achieving a surplus in fiscal year 2025 is difficult to reach and is expected to be extended to fiscal year 2026.
Even with the Takaichi administration (referring to the inauguration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi), even if they try to implement tax cuts or bold fiscal stimulus, it ultimately cannot be realized due to bureaucratic resistance. After the resignation of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Takaichi is seen as likely to win the LDP presidential election and become the first female prime minister, but rising fiscal risks are shaking the market.
As a result, even if prices rise, wages do not keep up, and social insurance premiums and tax burdens weigh heavily. The growth forecast for fiscal year 2025 has been revised downward from the previous 1.2% to 0.7%, and inflationary pressure is squeezing household budgets.
Politicians pour their energy into maintaining 'fiscal discipline,' while the public is fully occupied with 'livelihood defense.'
No one is painting a future, and the nation is quietly exhausting itself.
If France expresses its anger through demonstrations, it can be said that Japan is protesting through silence. Both countries, suffering from debt problems as wealthy nations, share common challenges; in Japan's case, a primary balance surplus of over 2% is required to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio.
■ To Escape Austerity
What is needed now is not 'spending cuts' but 'rebuilding trust.'
A perspective that redefines the money the government uses to support the public and restore society as an 'investment' rather than mere deficit is essential.
Healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy—these are the foundations that support future productivity, and the more they are cut, the more national power declines. In Japan, the fiscal year 2025 budget request reached a record high of $831 billion, and political uncertainty is further complicating fiscal stimulus.
Whether politics can make this shift is being tested in both France and Japan.
The term 'anti-austerity' is no longer just a slogan for the left.
It is becoming a realistic choice for democratic nations to regain their own sustainability. The political turmoil in both countries is surprising investors and inviting market volatility, but restoring trust is indispensable for a fundamental solution.
■ In Conclusion
Austerity drains the vitality of society in exchange for protecting the state's wallet.
Even if the finances are sound, if the public is sinking into anxiety and exhaustion, it is a sick nation. France's debt crisis is also raising concerns about contagion to Asian countries, including South Korea.
France visualizes its anger through demonstrations, and Japan protests through silence.
In both countries, the fundamental question being asked now is 'politics for whom?'
From politics for the economy to politics for the people—
The anguish of France and Japan is reflected like a mirror image of the same era. As political surprises shake the markets, both countries are being forced to regenerate their leadership.
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