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France’s fiscal credibility under pressure
The downgrade of France’s credit rating by Fitch, from “AA-” to “A+”, underscores the scale of the challenge the country is facing. Friday's move is the first of the three major agencies to downgrade France's double-A status. Moody’s and S&P are expected to follow on 24 October and 28 November. It all reflects the country’s inability to restore public finances, which remain severely deteriorated. Add to that a febrile political environment. On Monday, Prime Minister François Bayrou lost Parliament’s confidence and resigned. The next day, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Sébastien Lecornu, a ... (full story)