France's finance minister Lescure said demand for French government bonds remains intact and his biweekly auctions have posed no problems; investors are willing to buy but seek higher prices (lower yields). The finance ministry said it will not change its issuance strategy and will continue to use available flexibility at auctions. Lescure said he is optimistic the budget bill will pass and that the government must narrow the budget gap, calling the public finance deficit worrying and requiring

France's finance minister Lescure said demand for French government bonds remains intact and his biweekly auctions have posed no problems; investors are willing to buy but seek higher prices (lower yields). The finance ministry said it will not change its issuance strategy and will continue to use available flexibility at auctions. Lescure said he is optimistic the budget bill will pass and that the government must narrow the budget gap, calling the public finance deficit worrying and requiring immediate action.