French Assembly Divided Over 2025 Budget: €60 Billion Savings Plan Faces Political Turmoil
October 21, 2024On October 21, 2024, the French National Assembly commenced discussions on the revenue aspects of the 2025 state budget, which are expected to be contentious.
The financial bill for 2025 is under examination in the National Assembly, with significant opposition anticipated from various parties.
A tax on the 'super profits' of large corporations was approved in committee, generating discontent among some Macronist deputies.
Left-wing parties are pushing to streamline the budget debate, aiming to shift away from austerity measures towards a more acceptable approach.
Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin criticized the proposed €50 billion tax increase, calling it irresponsible and detrimental to French families and businesses.
This upcoming budget could serve as a major flashpoint, as opposition factions are likely to unite against Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government.
Barnier has stressed the importance of ensuring that any temporary tax measures do not become permanent, as maintaining economic competitiveness is crucial.
Despite claims of achieving equilibrium with €60 billion in savings, many deputies find the government's budget strategy unconvincing.
In a positive development for local governments, the committee rejected measures to freeze or cut their revenues, instead granting them an additional €500 million.
Without a majority in the National Assembly, Barnier faces considerable resistance to his proposed budget, particularly concerning revenue generation.
The Republicans (LR) have proposed aggressive savings of €50 billion, focusing on bureaucratic inefficiencies and immigration costs, complicating negotiations.
Macronist lawmakers have suggested selling 10% of the state's shares in listed companies as a means to reduce France's debt, arguing it would yield more revenue than raising corporate taxes.
Summary based on 47 sources
Get a daily email with more EU News stories
Sources
Yahoo News • Oct 19, 2024
Macron Finds Out What Power Sharing Means and He Doesn’t Like ItYahoo News • Oct 20, 2024
French Left’s Tax Hike Proposals ‘Unbearable,’ Premier SaysThe Hindu • Oct 18, 2024
Unease grows within France over President Macron’s comments on IsraelPOLITICO • Oct 21, 2024
Macron’s Middle East flip-flop