RAND Corporation analyzes France's public spending relative to historical benchmarks

The RAND Corporation analyzed France's total public spending, which stands at 57 percent of GDP. This figure is higher than the Soviet Union's 50 percent at the time of its collapse and higher than Venezuela's 38 percent under Hugo Chávez. The analysis also noted that the United States' federal public spending is about 24 percent of GDP, rising to 34 to 38 percent when state spending is included.

The analysis addresses the scale of France's public spending amid recent protests and riots in the country. The findings highlight the relationship between high public spending and the ability of the government to finance its promises.