French budget talks on right path, Finance Minister says

31/1/2025 16:07

French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said on Friday that talks on getting the 2025 budget passed through parliament were "on the right track", although some compromises may still be needed.



Lombard also told TF1 television that the government was sticking to its goal of bringing the public sector deficit to 5.4% of gross domestic product this year.

Lombard was speaking as a panel of French lawmakers were meeting for a second day on Friday to thrash out the final text of a much delayed 2025 budget bill that is key to restoring investor confidence over the country's finances and the government's survival.



The seven senators and seven members of the lower house were holding the closed-door negotiation to find a compromise before the bill heads to the lower house floor next week, when it could trigger a possible motion of no-confidence in the government



"What I am hearing is that the talks are taking place in a constructive spirit and progressing at a good pace....I trust lawmakers. They understand the seriousness of the situation. I think we are on the right path," Lombard said.