Economist on how downgrade will affect France

The transcript discusses President Nicolas Sarkozy's emphasis on maintaining France's Triple A credit rating as a symbol of his successful economic policy. However, Standard & Poor's decision to downgrade France challenges this narrative, highlighting insufficient fiscal stabilization efforts and inadequate solutions to the Eurozone crisis. The downgrade reflects a gradual decline in France's economic standing, raising questions about future ratings.

What was the actual credit rating of France prior to the downgrade?

What questions arise regarding France's future credit rating?