Group 1 - The French National Railway Company (SNCF) has launched a "premium carriage" service that prohibits children under 12, sparking controversy and criticism from the government and the public [1][2] - A recent poll indicated that 54% of the French population opposes SNCF's policy, with government officials expressing concern that the message conveyed is harmful to societal values regarding children [1] - SNCF modified its service description under public pressure but still maintains that the premium carriages are only for passengers aged 12 and above, stating that these seats occupy only 8% of the train on weekdays [1] Group 2 - The French government spokesperson highlighted the contradiction of promoting childbirth while simultaneously suggesting that children are unwelcome in certain public spaces, emphasizing the potential societal implications of such a message [2] - France is experiencing a declining birth rate, with projections indicating that by 2025, the number of newborns will drop to 645,000, leading to a situation where deaths may outnumber births for the first time [2] - In response to the demographic crisis, President Macron has called for initiatives to encourage population growth, indicating the government's awareness of the long-term implications of declining birth rates [2]