French Economists Clash Over National Production Strategy

Paris, France – A recent exchange on social media has highlighted a fundamental divergence in economic philosophy among prominent French economists regarding the nation's path to prosperity. Sylvain Catherine, a figure in economic discourse, publicly criticized Henri Sterdyniak, a renowned economist and co-founder of the "Économistes Atterrés," accusing his views of being "low-level demagoguery" and asserting that "France needs to produce more."

The tweet, posted by Sylvain Catherine on August 11, 2025, directly responded to a statement by Sterdyniak. While the specific content of Sterdyniak's original remark was not detailed in the tweet, Catherine's retort, "> Démagogie de bas étage...la France a besoin de produire plus," underscores a debate centered on the role of production and economic policy in France.

Henri Sterdyniak, a scientific adviser at the Observatoire Français des Conjonctures Économiques (OFCE) and a former professor at Paris Dauphine University, is known for his "empirical Keynesian" approach. His work consistently advocates for policies that prioritize full employment, social protection, and public investment, often critiquing austerity measures and rigid fiscal rules within the European Union. He co-founded the "Économistes Atterrés" in 2010 to challenge neoliberal economic policies. His perspective suggests that economic growth should be driven by demand-side policies and a robust social model.

The counter-argument from Sylvain Catherine, emphasizing the need for increased production, suggests a focus on supply-side economics, competitiveness, and potentially a more liberalized market approach. This aligns with broader economic debates in France, where discussions frequently revolve around improving industrial output, reducing public spending, and enhancing the nation's global economic standing. Recent reports have indicated France's budget deficit exceeding initial predictions, prompting ongoing discussions about fiscal consolidation and economic reforms.

The exchange between Catherine and Sterdyniak reflects a long-standing ideological divide within French economic circles. While Sterdyniak's camp champions a more interventionist state and social solidarity to stimulate the economy, Catherine's stance points towards a belief that boosting national production, potentially through deregulation and incentives for businesses, is the primary driver for sustainable growth and a stronger economy. This public disagreement highlights the ongoing challenges and differing visions for France's economic future.