London, 19 September 2014 — Moody’s Investors Service has today announced its decision to maintain the negative outlook on France’s government bond rating, which it has affirmed at Aa1.
The agency’s decision to affirm France’s Aa1 rating reflects Moody’s view that, despite negative credit pressures, the country retains significant credit strengths, including the size and wealth of the economy, as well as its affordable debt burden despite a continuous, gradual erosion of its economic and fiscal strength. The affirmation is also supported by renewed government commitment to accelerating the pace of structural reform, introducing a more consistent approach to economic policy, and proceeding with its budget saving plans.
That said, Moody’s decision to maintain a negative rating outlook reflects the rating agency’s view that the execution risks associated with implementing the government’s proposed structural reform initiatives are significant, given the strength of vested political interests that might oppose them and…