Europe

Housing shortage tops list of poverty factors in France

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Out of all factors that indicate poverty in France, housing tops the list. A study by the state-run Observatory of Poverty reveals that the lack of decent housing is what a majority of the French consider their biggest hardship. France has been facing a chronic shortage of accommodation, leaving some 10 million French in need of affordable housing.

Single parents and pensioners face the worst hardships. But the study shows the average French family is also feeling the pinch. Although the government has promised to help low income groups, demonstrations like this one are happening with rising frequency. These protesters say they have been thrown out of their previous homes and are now left with no shelter.

Charities also say the number of homeless in France has gone up by 50 percent in the past three years.In the coming months, the French government will launch new programs to reduce poverty. Whether that will solve the housing crisis, remains to be seen.

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