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PARIS, Jan 31 (Reuters) - French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said on Friday that talks on getting the 2025 budget passed through parliament were "on the right track", although some compromises may still be needed.

Lombard also told TF1 television that the government was sticking to its goal of bringing the public sector deficit to 5.4% of gross domestic product this year.

Lombard was speaking as a panel of French lawmakers were meeting for a second day on Friday to thrash out the final text of a much delayed 2025 budget bill that is key to restoring investor confidence over the country's finances and the government's survival.

The seven senators and seven members of the lower house were holding the closed-door negotiation to find a compromise before the bill heads to the lower house floor next week, when it could trigger a possible motion of no-confidence in the government

"What I am hearing is that the talks are taking place in a constructive spirit and progressing at a good pace....I trust lawmakers. They understand the seriousness of the situation. I think we are on the right path," Lombard said.

In the 2025 budget bill under discussion, Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wants to bring the public sector deficit down to 5.4% or GDP this year after it spiralled higher last year as tax income fell short of expectations and spending rose faster than expected.

Lombard said the 5.4% target was "a commitment" made to the French people and the European Union that would not change.

France's failure to agree the 2025 budget has rattled investors while sapping business and household confidence. The government has had to make billions of euros in concessions to forge a bill with a chance of getting passed.

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https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-budget-talks-right-path-finance-minister-says-2025-01-31/