French finance minister commenting after 2016 data released 24 March

  • 2016 public sector deficit 3.4% of GDP vs 3.6% in 2015 ( revised up from 3.5%)
  • 2016 gross public debt 96% of GDP v 95.6% in 2015 (revised up from 96.2%)

2016 figures come in slightly under govt 3.3% target

The 3% Sapin highlights/hopes for is the EU limit.

That could all go pear shaped though depending on who wins the April/May elections.

Sapin - hopes to get the ratios down if still around