The French economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter, beating forecasts, as a rebound in household spending boosted the euro zone’s second-biggest economy, according to official data published on Wednesday.
Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast 0.1% growth for the preliminary Q2 GDP. The growth of 0.3% also showed an improvement to France’s Q1 GDP growth of 0.1%.
France is facing relatively sluggish economic growth and pressures from its high deficit.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wants to reduce the budget deficit from 5.4% of GDP this year to 4.6% in 2026, ultimately targeting the EU’s 3% fiscal deficit limit by 2029.