France Sticks to Plans to Narrow Deficit as Iran War Weighs

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure reiterated the government’s goal to reduce the deficit to 5% of output this year and below 3% in 2029 even as the Iran conflict weighs on the economy.

He said that while the budget presented for next year won’t have any tax increases — either for individuals or businesses — France’s National Assembly or Senate could debate adding an exceptional tax on energy group TotalEnergies SE.

“I’m not opposed to it,” Lescure said in an interview on BFM TV and RMC radio on Wednesday. “But be warned, the prime minister was very clear, we ...