Despite high inflation, the overall debt of overindebted households has not increased in 2023, even if the number of applications filed is up 8%. A relative stability, which can be explained by the price shields on energy, but above all by the budgetary efforts made by households to adapt.
Covid, the war in Ukraine, followed by a surge of inflationary fever: this disastrous chain of events left us fearing the worst for the financial situation of the French. However, the year 2023 has not given rise to an explosion in bankruptcy cases.
The overall amount of debts of French people who declared a situation of over-indebtedness rose 4.2 billion eurosa stable figure over one year, despite a 8% increase in the number of file submissions, indicated the Banque de France on Thursday, during the presentation of its annual typological survey on the subject. The figures thus remain down 27% compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic year, and have been almost halved in ten years, the institution highlighted.
All debts included, the median debt stands at 18,446 eurosaccording to data from the Banque de France’s annual typological survey on household overindebtedness.
Tariff shields have played their role
However, certain signs allow us to perceive the impact of the economic situation on the financial difficulties of the French. The share of debts linked to consumer loans is up 2 points compared to 2022. They represent 40% of total debt. That of real estate debts rose to 27% (compared to 29% a year ago).
Current debts (housing, taxes, energy, telephone) are stable, and account for 33% of overall debt. However, we observe a slight increase (3%) in debts linked to energy and communication bills. A signal relativizeestimates Hlne Arveiller, deputy director of individuals at the Banque de France, with energy debts representing only 2% of overall household debt.
Vincent MIGNOT
After a master’s degree in History then a master’s degree in Information and Communication Sciences, Vincent MIGNOT became a journalist in… Read more
MoneyVox / VM with AFP / February 2024