In the space of 15 years, the number of births has decreased by 24%. This decline in the birth rate is disrupting the entire society, from schools to the labor market, according to a note from the High Commission for Planning published Thursday, September 4. The organization attached to Matignon warns that there will be economic consequences for the country.

In a note published on Thursday, September 4, the High Commission for Planning reviews the latest figures from INSEE, which reported, in May and for the first time since the end of the Second World War, a negative natural population balance over twelve rolling months.

The continued decline in births in France is being felt in schools and colleges, and soon in high schools. And tomorrow, in higher education, with fewer students.

Economist Maxime Sbaihi details the consequences: "There will be fewer active people, fewer contributors. This is a completely new phenomenon since in the past we were used to having a youthful population, an abundant workforce. This will no longer be the case. And the point of this work is also to start raising awareness and raising awareness of this new reality that is coming."

Automation and the use of immigration

So how can we continue to create wealth with fewer people working? "There are several avenues," explains the specialist. "The first is to work more collectively, work longer, and work more to compensate for the absolute decline in the number of workers. The other solution is also to automate, that is, to use technology and robots in certain sectors, particularly to fill vacant positions. And a third, complementary approach is to also call on foreign workers through immigration, as is done, for example, in Germany, Italy, and many other countries."

Targeted calls, according to Maxime Bailly, which would respond to the country's economic needs.