Bruno Le Maire says eurozone states should abide by European Union to run large deficit next year

The French Finance Minister said on Monday all eurozone states should abide by European Union fiscal rules when asked about Italy's plans to run a large deficit next year.

Bruno Le Maire said "All states have to do their best to stick to commitments" and stressed that fiscal rules are the same for all and, if respected, strengthened the eurozone.

He added that the first decisions on the Italian budget will be made by the European Commission. Then states will react with a "step-by-step" approach. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; editing by Philip Blenkinsop)