A single-plate menu option priced at 14.90 euros has gained popularity at the Le Louvel restaurant in Angoulême, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior in France. According to the latest Cofidis barometer, 43% of respondents say they can save money, down from 47% last year. Meanwhile, 28% claim they can barely cover their monthly expenses, and 22% are struggling financially. Nearly 40% of those surveyed report living in a monthly deficit, averaging 383 euros. Overall, French people estimate they need an extra 512 euros per month to live comfortably—a figure that has increased slightly over the past year. Inflation remains a key concern, with the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) forecasting a 0.4% decline in purchasing power by 2026. Inflation reached 2.4% in August and is expected to rise further, reaching 2.9% by the end of the year, largely due to higher hydrocarbon prices linked to the war in the Middle East. Real wages are projected to remain stagnant, and household purchasing power is expected to fall by 0.4%. In response, Insee predicts a slowdown in consumption, with an overall growth of just 0.3% in 2026. This trend is already visible in the fuel sector, where consumption dropped by 6.6% in August, according to the French Union of Petroleum Industries. Despite this, household consumption accounts for more than half of France’s GDP. Insee has revised its growth forecast for 2026 to just 0.4%, a disappointing outlook for the government. This slowdown would reduce state revenue at a time when the government is trying to pass a budget that limits the public deficit in a divided parliament. As the presidential election approaches, consumption is not expected to recover, according to Dominique Schelcher, director of the Système U supermarket chain. "People are already saving money because they don't know what the tax policy of the new president will be," he said on France Inter, noting the impact on consumer confidence. Amid rising inflation and economic uncertainty, calls for mobilization are growing on social media, echoing the Yellow Vest protests of 2018. The date of October 17 has been mentioned as a possible rallying point. Left-wing political parties, including the Socialist Party (PS), La France Insoumise (LFI), and the Communist Party (PCF), have all pledged to support social movements against rising fuel prices. In contrast, the far-right National Rally (RN) has been more cautious. Sébastien Chenu, vice president of the RN, stated that the party has "never entered into the practice of calling people to take to the streets," emphasizing the focus on the upcoming presidential election.