Xin Hua Cai Jing·2025-10-18 13:47Core Viewpoint - Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgraded France's sovereign credit rating from "AA-" to "A+" with a stable outlook, citing high uncertainty in public finances as the main reason for the downgrade [1][2]. Group 1: Credit Rating Downgrade - S&P's report indicates that despite the French government's submission of the 2026 budget draft, uncertainty in public finances remains high ahead of the 2027 presidential election [1]. - The suspension of pension reforms initiated in 2023 is viewed as a significant factor contributing to increased fiscal pressure [1]. - This marks the second downgrade by S&P in a year and a half, following a similar action by Fitch, reflecting a rapid decline in market confidence regarding France's fiscal outlook [2]. Group 2: Fiscal Projections - S&P forecasts that France's public debt as a percentage of GDP will rise to 121% by the end of 2028 [1]. - Under the assumption that the 2026 budget draft remains unchanged, S&P expects the government deficit as a percentage of GDP to slightly decrease to 5.3% in 2026 [1]. - The report emphasizes that significant fiscal consolidation measures are necessary to reverse the ongoing trend of rising government debt [1]. Group 3: Government Response and Market Reactions - The French Ministry of Economy and Finance acknowledged S&P's decision and reiterated the commitment to keep the 2025 deficit rate at 5.4% of GDP [2]. - Concerns are rising regarding Moody's upcoming update on France's sovereign rating, with fears that further downgrades could lead to increased borrowing costs for the country [2]. - It is projected that interest expenses could reach approximately €55 billion by 2025 if rating agencies continue to downgrade France's credit rating [2].