Finance

French first quarter GDP growth seen at 0.2%-0.3%, central bank chief says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on February 12, 2026

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· Last updated: February 12, 2026

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French first quarter GDP growth seen at 0.2%-0.3%, central bank chief says
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PARIS, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The French economy is likely to grow between 0.2% and 0.3% in the first quarter, Bank of France governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said on Thursday, which is in-line with

French first quarter GDP growth seen at 0.2%-0.3%, central bank chief

French Economic Growth Outlook

PARIS, Feb 12 (Reuters) - The French economy is likely to grow between 0.2% and 0.3% in the first quarter, Bank of France governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said on Thursday, which is in-line with the bank's 1% annual growth expectation.

Resilience of the French Economy

"French economic growth is resilient, but not sufficient," Villeroy said in an interview with France's Radio Classique.

Central Bank Leadership Transition

The central bank chief, who also sits on the European Central Bank council, will stand down from his post in June.

(Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Inti Landauro)

Key Takeaways

  • French GDP growth is projected at 0.2%-0.3% for Q1.
  • Bank of France maintains a 1% annual growth forecast.
  • French economy shows resilience but needs improvement.
  • Francois Villeroy de Galhau to step down in June.
  • Central bank chief also serves on ECB council.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is economic growth?
Economic growth refers to the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over time, typically measured by the rise in GDP.
What is monetary policy?
Monetary policy is the process by which a central bank manages the supply of money, interest rates, and inflation to achieve economic objectives.

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