Lecornu sets 5% deficit goal as France faces protests and debt concerns
The prime minister said the education ministry was spared cuts in last week’s budget proposal and confirmed a 10-million-barrel diesel release.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said France must reduce its public deficit to 5%, as his government faces concerns over public spending and debt alongside student protests.
In an address to the nation, Lecornu said the education ministry had not faced cuts in last week’s budget proposal. The proposal’s details were not provided.
Student protesters have called for more education funding and better school conditions. The source report said Lecornu sought to address their concerns while also responding to jittery bond markets.
The International Monetary Fund has urged France to put its finances in order. Lecornu did not specify a timeframe for reaching the 5% deficit level.
He also confirmed the release of 10 million barrels of diesel fuel. The source and arrangements for that release were not specified.
