France’s economy is on track to grow faster than initially expected in 2025, with expansion likely to reach at least 0.8%, according to Finance Minister Roland Lescure. The revised outlook
slightly surpasses the government’s earlier forecast of 0.7%, signaling stronger-than-anticipated economic momentum despite lingering uncertainty in the global economy.
Speaking on LCI television on Sunday, Lescure said the outlook had improved as the year draws to a close. “Unless there is a sharp reversal in the final three months of the year, we will most likely exceed the government’s growth forecast for this year,” he said. “We had predicted 0.7%, but I think we will have at least 0.8%. That’s good news for the country.”
The upgrade reflects steady performance in key sectors of the French economy, including industry, services, and consumer spending. Government officials have pointed to resilient domestic demand and continued investment as major drivers of growth, even as European economies face pressure from high interest rates, geopolitical tensions, and slowing global trade.
Lescure’s comments came just days after he attended the seventh formal meeting of the Franco-Chinese Business Council in Beijing, highlighting France’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties with China. Economic cooperation with major global partners remains a central pillar of France’s strategy to support long-term growth and competitiveness.
While the finance minister struck an optimistic tone, he also acknowledged the risks that remain. Ongoing inflationary pressures, energy market volatility, and fluctuations in global demand could still affect economic performance in the months ahead. However, he emphasized that France has shown greater resilience than expected during a period of global economic uncertainty.
The government is expected to incorporate the updated growth outlook into its upcoming budget discussions, which will focus on balancing fiscal discipline with continued support for households and businesses. A stronger growth figure could provide additional room for maneuver as officials seek to manage public finances while preserving economic momentum into 2026. Photo by Art Anderson, Wikimedia commons.