With public spending reaching 58.2% of GDP in 2022, France far exceeds the euro zone average (48.4%), confirming its status as a champion of public spending. This level is largely explained by very high compulsory contributions: in 2023, they were 5 points higher than the European average, a gap of around 150 billion euros. The gaps in public spending are particularly marked on public policies such as pensions, health and housing…
Public spending by function in 2022 in France and the rest of the euro zone
Source: Eurostat, public expenditure by function (COFOG data)
Public spending by function in 2022 in France and Germany
Source: Eurostat, public expenditure by function (COFOG data)
Public spending ratio in 2017 and 2022 in France and the rest of the Eurozone. Gaps and changes in the gaps (in points of GDP)
Public spending ratio in 2017 and 2022 in France and Germany. Gaps and changes in the gaps (in points of GDP)
Evolution of compulsory contributions as a percentage of GDP in France between 2017 and 2023
Evolution of compulsory deductions as a percentage of euro zone GDP excluding France between 2017 and 2023
This table shows that France levies 5.3 points of GDP more per year than the average of euro zone countries in 2023. The differences mainly come from taxes on production and imports (+4.2 points of GDP) , and social contributions payable by employers (+2.9 points of GDP).
This table compares France's compulsory taxes to the average of eurozone countries in 2023. It shows that France collects 150 billion euros more per year, mainly due to production taxes and high social security contributions. .
France
