Patrick Cohen, an editorialist, expressed concerns about the general understanding of economics among the French public in a column on C à vous, referencing a study by the Institut de l'entreprise, a business lobby. The study suggested that many French citizens lack sufficient knowledge of budgetary issues. Cohen pointed out that many incorrectly identify the first "state expense" as Defense or Health, while he argued it is actually pensions. However, he was corrected that pensions fall under social security expenses, not state expenses, revealing a common confusion between public and state spending. Cohen also addressed the debate surrounding debt, particularly the proposal by Jean-Luc Mélenchon to cancel the debt held by the European Central Bank (ECB). This idea has sparked significant discussion, as it involves understanding the nature of debt, the room for maneuver to limit its impact on public finances, and the political strategies available, especially when the debt is held by a common central bank. The proposal has drawn strong reactions, with some economists and journalists criticizing it as "intellectual fraud" and "ruinous." The debate around debt has become a central theme in economic policy discussions. Critics argue that the focus on debt reduction is often used as a justification for austerity measures. Some believe the real issues lie in the decrease in revenues over the past twenty years, aid given to companies without conditions, tax loopholes, and the lack of taxation on the wealthiest individuals. On C ce soir, Rémi Godeau, chief editor of L'Opinion, discussed the decrease in public spending on investment while noting the increase in spending on health and pensions. He emphasized the need to balance these areas, suggesting that the current state of public services and social protection is a result of long-term neglect of tax revenues from the wealthy and large companies. Debates on the cancellation of the debt held by the ECB have also been discussed on C politique. Some participants highlighted the complex nature of debt cancellation, noting that it is not simply about erasing debt but can influence austerity policies dictated by markets or allow for greater financial freedom. The implementation of such a policy raises technical and legal questions that require careful consideration, as noted by AFP and Alternatives économiques.