French Parliament Adopts 2025 Budget After Months of Political Turmoil
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Loading... - Josephine Monet
- 07 Feb 2025
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The French parliament has officially adopted the state’s 2025 budget following a tumultuous process that spanned several months, marked by political upheaval and the downfall of the previous government. The budget was approved by the upper-house Senate on Thursday, with a vote tally of 219 in favor and 107 against.
The approval of the budget comes after Prime Minister François Bayrou pushed the legislation through the lower house, the National Assembly, earlier this week without a formal vote. This maneuver was necessary to navigate the political landscape, which has been fraught with challenges, including multiple no-confidence votes against the current administration. Despite these challenges, Bayrou's government has managed to survive, unlike the short-lived government of Michel Barnier, which was brought down last year amid similar budgetary disputes.
Finance Minister Eric Lombard addressed the Senate, describing the adopted budget as one aimed at "financial recovery." The plan seeks to reduce the public deficit to 5.4% of GDP by 2025, which will be achieved through an "unprecedented effort" involving €30 billion ($31 billion) in savings and €20 billion in tax increases, adjusted according to individuals' ability to contribute.
Bayrou's government has maintained its position largely because the opposition parties, including the far-right National Rally (RN) and the Socialists (PS), chose not to support the no-confidence motions brought forth by the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), despite their opposition to the budget itself. This decision has allowed the government to navigate the immediate crisis, but analysts warn that Bayrou's position remains precarious.
The social security budget is expected to pass in a similar manner, with the government planning to invoke Article 49.3 of the constitution again, which allows it to push through legislation without a vote in the National Assembly. While this strategy has provided some breathing room for Bayrou, the potential for future no-confidence motions looms, particularly as the RN and PS may align against the government later in the year.
The adoption of the 2025 budget marks a significant milestone for the French government amid ongoing political challenges. While Prime Minister François Bayrou has successfully navigated the immediate crisis, the stability of his administration remains uncertain as it faces the possibility of renewed opposition and further legislative hurdles in the months to come.
