Budget 2014: €6 billion extra needs to be found

THERE is a feeling that the French government is preparing people for a little more belt tightening, without saying the dreaded words 'tax increases'.

Budget minister, Jérôme Cahuzac, has said that an additional €6 billion will have to be found to cover provisions within 2014's budget.

But while the talk is of cost savings, François Hollande has also spoken about additional levies as his government looks to achieve a balanced budget by 2017.