What is the “snowball effect” of debt and what role does it play in the critical economic situation fueling protests in France?

France is experiencing widespread social protests and unrest that originated from student demonstrations against deteriorating conditions in public schools before evolving into a broader movement driven by the high cost of living and a critical economic situation. The unrest involves a heterogeneous crowd expressing generalized anger amid reports of property damage and attacks on public buildings.

Media coverage draws historical parallels between the current French crisis and the severe economic collapse of Buenos Aires in December 2001, highlighting familiar scenes of public unrest, broken windows, and spontaneous demonstrations lacking a unified political program. Additionally, analysts point to the 'snowball effect' of national debt as a key factor underlying the economic crisis fueling the protests.