Unemployment rates in France and Spain have hit new record highs, sending shockwaves through the European economy.

Over 3.2 million people in France are seeking jobs, an increase of 11.5% from one year ago. The increase more than a full percentage point from February. The level is the highest since unemployment records began in 1996.

“Everything the government does, in every ministry, must be to continue to strengthen the battle for jobs,” French President Francois Hollande told reporters at a press conference. “I want all the French people to unite behind this one national priority.”

Meanwhile, France’s neighbor to the south has already passed International Monetary Fund predictions for unemployment in 2013.

The IMF said the unemployment rate in Spain would peak at 27%. The latest figures show the rate slowing but still climbing, passing 27.2% of the workforce. Over six million people are out of work and unable to find jobs.

The unemployment rate in Spain is now at the highest level since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1976.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy stated upon hearing the news that his nation would “have growth and jobs” returning in 2014.

Unemployment rates in France and Spain have hit new record highs, sending shockwaves through the European economy.

Over 3.2 million people in France are seeking jobs, an increase of 11.5% from one year ago. The increase more than a full percentage point from February. The level is the highest since unemployment records began in 1996.

“Everything the government does, in every ministry, must be to continue to strengthen the battle for jobs,” French President Francois Hollande told reporters at a press conference. “I want all the French people to unite behind this one national priority.”

Meanwhile, France’s neighbor to the south has already passed International Monetary Fund predictions for unemployment in 2013.

The IMF said the unemployment rate in Spain would peak at 27%. The latest figures show the rate slowing but still climbing, passing 27.2% of the workforce. Over six million people are out of work and unable to find jobs.

The unemployment rate in Spain is now at the highest level since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1976.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy stated upon hearing the news that his nation would “have growth and jobs” returning in 2014.