PARIS (AP) -- The French government has almost doubled its forecast for economic growth this year as the country's rebound from recession accelerates.
Finance Minister Christine Lagarde now expects an annual pace of growth of 1.4 percent, up from her previous forecast of 0.75 percent, the ministry said Monday.
In 2009, the economy shrank 2.3 percent. The stronger growth would mean more tax receipts, which is good news for the budget shortfall. Lagarde will present a revised budget on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Francois Fillon said last week that business is picking up and that France had come out of recession, but warned that "the international situation is still fragile."
