The French economy stalled in the three months to June, showing zero growth.
Slackened domestic spending in particular was the cause while business investment also went down, according to the French statistics office.
In the first quarter of 2015 the economy expanded by 0.7%, raising hopes for continued growth in the second quarter and leading analysts to predict a modest rise of 0.2%.
France’s finance minister, Michel Sapin, remained optimistic, saying that the country should still reach its target of 1% expansion for 2015, with the “rhythm of growth” expected to pick up by the end of the year.
He noted during the first half of this year the economy had grown at its fastest pace in three years. But he also recognised that unemployment could not be brought down if the slowdown continues. It was hovered above 10% for nearly three years.
