12/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - France forecasts above 4% deficit in 2013. Unveiling an overview of its draft budget for 2014, the French government has increased its public deficit forecasts for 2013 (a reduction to 4.8% of GDP in 2012 to 4.1% in 2013 rather than the initially forecast 3.7%) and expects an excess deficit of 3.6% in 2014, before returning to the stability and growth pact requirements in 2015. The country's growth forecasts are in line with those set out by the European Commission, namely economic growth of 0.1% in 2013 and 0.9% in 2014. The draft budget for 2014 is reported to include savings on 80% of the spending reductions. (MB/transl.fl)