26/03/2019 (Agence Europe) – The French general government deficit amounted to -2.5% of national GDP in 2018 against a target of -2.7% set in the latest draft Finance Act, the French government said on Tuesday 26 March. "By bringing the public deficit below 3% of GDP for the first time in 10 years for two consecutive years, France is demonstrating its determination to respect the objectives of public finance control and its European commitments", declared France, welcoming the news. In 2019, however, the French deficit is expected to exceed the Maastricht threshold of 3% of GDP again due to the resumption of tax measures for research (CICE) and a boost in purchasing power linked to the demands of the 'yellow vest' protestors. In 2018, French public debt reached 98.4% of GDP, the same level as in 2017. (MB)