The French economy grew by 1.1-1.2 percent -- higher than projected -- in the second quarter this year compared with the first quarter, due to stronger consumer spending and a decrease in unemployment, Finance Minister Thierry Breton said on Friday.

The figure was "exceptional," which was well above the national statistics office Insee's prediction of a 0.6-percent increase, said Breton.

He also said the figure showed the euro-zone's second biggest economy expanded at a pace of 4.4 percent to 4.8 percent in the second quarter compared with the same period of 2005.

Despite the unexpected strong economic performance, Breton said he would still keep the government's forecast for economic growth in the whole 2006 at 2 percent to 2.5 percent.

Insee was even more cautious, having predicted that the country's economy would grow at a pace between 1.8 and 1.9 percent in 2006.

Source: Xinhua