[French budget negotiations are expected to fall into fierce battles, and party disputes may become more acute as the general election approaches] French Finance Minister Lescure said that as the global economy weakens and interest rates rise, the 2027 budget will require large-scale spending reduction measures to control the expanding fiscal deficit. Lescure said that if no measures are taken in the budget due at the end of the month, the deficit could expand to a level equivalent to about 6% of gross domestic product, while the government hopes to control it below 5%. Budget negotiations are due to begin at the end of September, when Prime Minister Sebastian Le Corni's minority government submits a budget to the deeply divided National Assembly.