Despite the fact that deaths in France surpassed births in 2025, the French still express a desire to have children, reflecting a complex societal attitude toward family growth amid demographic concerns.
The article from Le Figaro discusses the increasing concern in France regarding the declining birth rate, which has seen the number of deaths exceed births for the first time in decades as of 2025. This demographic shift has prompted discussions among families and policymakers about the implications for the future of the nation. However, despite the sobering statistics, many French couples, like Marie who has four young children, remain enthusiastic about parenthood, often encountering both humorous and admiring reactions from society.
Marie shares her experiences in daily life, highlighting that while some people make light-hearted comments about her decision to have multiple children, the overall response from the public tends to be positive. She puts great effort into raising her children, aiming to break stereotypes associated with large families. This indicates a cultural resilience among the French, who continue to value family life and child-rearing despite the sobering demographic realities that indicate a potential future crisis.
In a broader context, the article implies that while there is a demographic challenge facing France, the desire for family remains strong. The narrative suggests that a cultural shift may be necessary to support families, reduce stigma around larger families, and create policies that encourage childbirth, reflecting a complex tension between personal desires for family and national demographic trends.
