In a busy political atmosphere, the government finds itself at a decisive turning point with an ambitious economy plan to finalize by September. Amélie de Montchalin, Minister of Public Accounts, works on an ambitious budget project to finalize by September, supported by Éric Lombard, Minister of the Economy. The idea is to set up a “common base” to get out of a complicated and long budgetary situation to solve. The game is not easy: a delay could tarnish the credibility of the managers, while impacting the country’s savings and investment capacity.
Zoom on the budget
The objective is to complete a solid budget project in the next three months, integrating the measures of the 2026 budget. The government wants to release a net compromise which meets the economic challenges of the moment. This market is crucial, and any setback may question the credibility of political actors. Amélie de Montchalin even clarified that those who will slow down the progress will not be able to claim the presidency in 2027.
Ideas and compromises
Among the proposals that are already making noise is the removal of holidays: Easter Monday and May 8. The minister proposes to have these days work, while offering improved remuneration to compensate for the effort of the French. The idea is to share the economic benefits generated by these additional working days.
Opinions and maneuvers
The project aroused various opinions, such as those expressed by François Bayrou during a trip to Pau. For him, it is essential to finalize the budgetary plan in two months. Amélie de Montchalin believes that criticisms are only temporary and recalls that people who are not cold in the eyes are needed to support the device, in order to restore confidence in the country for 2027.
Exchanges with the opposition
The government remains open to the proposals of other parties once the project is adopted. Last February, we had already seen an improved budget thanks to the contributions of the oppositions, in particular of the Socialist Party which had obtained credits for the overseas territories and the Barnier Fund. However, we are still waiting for the Republicans (LR) to submit concrete proposals to generate additional savings, as well as structural reforms.
Ecolo reactions and oppositions
The proposal encountered a resounding refusal on the part of the left, the national rally and the unions. Sandrine Rousseau, an environmentalist deputy in Paris, did not chew her words by denouncing this measure as a disguised tax which would weigh on the middle and laborious classes. According to her, it penalizes those who work most while struggling to reach both ends.
It goes so far as to accuse the government of neglecting the quality of life of the French, qualifying the proposal for maneuver to have a staggering budget of 40 billion euros adopted. For Sandrine Rousseau, it would be better to reduce working time, especially in the face of the risks of social, democratic and climatic collapse.
The tensions around the draft budget clearly show the difficulties to which the French government comes up against improving economic competitiveness. While the public debate is gaining intensity, each political leader will have to show responsibility to guarantee a stable future in the country while responding to the concerns of different groups.
With a deadline set in September, it only remains to see if the government will succeed in reconciling the various expectations while defending the general interest during this pivotal moment for France.
