[s & P confirms France's rating as "AA/A-1+" the outlook is still negative] FAP, June 3, S & P confirms that France is rated as "AA/A-1+"; the outlook is still negative. It expects France's budget deficit to fall from about 5 per cent in 2023 to 3.8 per cent in 2026, while total government debt will remain above 110 per cent of GDP.