'Will I have enough money?': French inflation drops but workers still feeling the pinch

Inflation is starting to fall in France, but many people may feel their monthly expenses haven't got any lower. Food and energy prices are still rising, which might influence millions of French people in the upcoming elections.

"I feel financially insecure. Will I have enough money?" said Nelson, a local Parisian. "We manage to pay for what we need, but the future is uncertain. I'm raising a little girl alone. Will I be able to pay for her education? If she wants to become a vet, which is very expensive, will I be able to afford it?"

There was a similar sentiment among other Paris laborers out doing their shopping. Some said they used to do a weekly or monthly shop, but now they were living day-by-day, buying what they need when they could. 

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"A few years back, I could walk into the market with €70 ($75), buy what I needed, and not think twice. Today, that same 70 is a source of worry as I meticulously check prices," Nelson said. "The shift from carefree to cautious is not just a change in lifestyle, it's a shift in moral security. It's a stark reminder of the financial struggle I now face. Before I used to live, now I survive," he added.

Last September, the French government introduced several measures to tackle the rising cost of living. They raised welfare and pension payouts, and brought in fuel vouchers and discounts. But French people continue to feel the pinch - with everyday staples higher than last year.

Many have taken to the streets to express their anger, but according to Warren Dale, a local La France Insoumise  politician and member of the gilet jaunes (yellow vest) movement, no one is listening.

"It's worse than before. There's a growing divide in France between the working class and the rich,"  Dale told CGTN. "Despite protests and numerous appeals from humanitarian and human rights associations, the government doesn't listen," he added.

While the measures taken last September were meant to relieve the thousands of struggling households, energy costs in May increased by two percent from April. Meanwhile, inflation overall also grew slightly, by 0.1 percent.

And this is what will be on the minds of the millions of French when casting their ballot.

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