PARIS, June 26 (KUNA) -- France's public debt rose to EUR 3.3458 trillion (USD 3.922 trillion) at the end of the first quarter of 2025, an increase of EUR 40.5 billion compared to the final quarter of 2024, official data showed Thursday.
According to the French National Institute of Statistics (INSEE) the debt, according to the Maastricht criteria, rose from EUR 3.3413 trillion in Q4 2024 to EUR 3.3458 trillion in Q1 2025.
As a percentage of GDP, public debt climbed to 114 percent, up from 113.2 percent in the previous quarter, INSEE added.
The report noted that this debt came with a decrease in the general government cash position by EUR 11.4 billion, and in lesser extent, in other assets. As a result, "that net debt increased more than gross debt EUR 52.6 billion and accounted for 106.1 percent of GDP" the report stated.
The figures underscore the growing fiscal challenges facing the French government as it works to align with EU standards for financial sustainability. (end) mb.sar