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flag S&P downgraded France’s credit rating to A+ due to rising debt, political turmoil, and weak fiscal progress.

flag S&P Global downgraded France’s credit rating from AA- to A+ on October 17, 2025, citing rising debt, political instability, and weak fiscal discipline. flag The agency projects France’s debt will reach 121% of GDP by 2028, up from 112% in 2024, and warned that progress toward deficit reduction will lag without stronger measures. flag The downgrade follows Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu surviving two no-confidence votes after suspending a controversial pension reform. flag Despite meeting its 2025 deficit target of 5.4% of GDP, France faces challenges in achieving the EU’s 3% ceiling by 2029, especially with the 2027 presidential election approaching. flag The outlook is now stable, but risks remain high, particularly if borrowing costs rise. flag Finance Minister Roland Lescure urged swift passage of the 2026 budget to stay on track. flag This marks the second downgrade in months, following a similar move by Fitch earlier in 2025, and could increase France’s borrowing costs and trigger forced bond sales by investors limited to high-grade debt.

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