France’s budget deficit surpasses €100 billion in first half of 2025

France’s budget deficit reached €100.4 billion in the first six months of 2025, according to a statement published by the Ministry for the Economy and Finance.

The figures, released on the ministry’s official website and disclosed by the Russian news agency, show the country’s public finances remain under significant strain amid sluggish growth and ongoing spending pressures.

“The overall balance of budget execution as of June 30, 2025, stands at minus €100.4 billion,” the communiqué reads.

According to the report, total revenue for the general budget amounted to €182.5 billion, while expenditure reached €262.1 billion.

In addition, the balance on special treasury accounts was also negative, standing at €20.8 billion.

France has struggled with persistent budget deficits for years, often breaching the European Union’s 3% of GDP limit. In 2023, the deficit stood at 5.5% of GDP, prompting concern from Brussels and credit rating agencies alike.

Earlier this year, Standard & Poor’s downgraded France’s credit outlook, citing weak fiscal consolidation efforts. In April 2024, the government revised its 2025 deficit forecast upward, admitting slower-than-expected growth and higher public spending.

The French Court of Auditors has also warned that without structural reforms, rising debt levels could undermine long-term economic stability.

These concerns come as France continues to shoulder the cost of energy subsidies, pension reforms, and public sector pay increases.

By Aghakazim Guliyev