Senegal and France implement measures to address rising cost of living

Governments in Senegal and France are addressing rising living costs through different economic strategies.

In Senegal, the government has announced a temporary freeze on rents to combat real estate speculation and intends to revise the calculation of adjusted surface areas. To stabilize food prices, authorities will temporarily authorize the importation of certain vegetables, such as carrots and cabbage, to offset seasonal supply shortages. Additionally, a permanent observatory for the cost of living will be established to monitor price trends. The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Serigne Guèye Diop, noted that meat supply issues are partly linked to insecurity in Mali, a primary supplier.

In France, the government faces growing social frustration as 67% of citizens report a decline in purchasing power due to rising energy and food costs. Despite this, the administration led by Sébastien Lecornu has indicated limited budgetary capacity to provide widespread aid or tax relief. Economic constraints include high interest rates on state refinancing and a downward revision of 2026 growth forecasts to 0.5%. Economy Minister Roland Lescure emphasized the need for a 2027 budget that requires fiscal effort, as the deficit is expected to exceed 5% this year.