The city hall of Poissy, a middle-class suburb in the Paris region, stands above a small square filled with open-air stalls and a covered market. The building, managed by a right-wing and centrist administration, flies the French tricolor flags, while nearby, a terrace offers a quiet spot for a coffee, just steps from a secondhand dealer. Among the visitors is Christelle, a 56-year-old woman who has always worked, now doing housecleaning for private clients. She describes public debt simply as "what we all owe, everyone in general." This aligns with the broader understanding that public debt refers to the total amount of money a government has borrowed over time, typically to cover the gap between its spending and its revenue. Public debt has become a central topic in France, where the nation's finances are currently under strain. In the coming weeks, the debate surrounding this issue is expected to grow more intense, especially with the upcoming drafting of the state budget for 2027. This process comes at a time when the legislative assembly is deeply divided, a situation exacerbated by the ongoing presidential campaign. The political uncertainty adds pressure to address long-term financial challenges, including how to manage public spending and investment in the face of economic fluctuations. At a nearby table, a retired man, dressed neatly in the latest urban sneakers, reads a detective novel while sipping his coffee. His presence adds a quiet contrast to the political and economic discussions unfolding in the background. The square, with its mix of daily life and local commerce, reflects the everyday realities of Poissy’s residents, many of whom are directly affected by the broader financial and political shifts taking place in the country. As France moves toward its next budget, the voices of ordinary citizens like Christelle and the retired reader become part of a larger conversation about the future of public finances. Their perspectives—rooted in personal experience—highlight the real-world impact of national economic decisions, making the abstract concept of public debt more tangible for those who live it daily.