An alarming budget deficit
According to an investigation by France 2, the French budget deficit is expected to exceed 6% of GDP in 2024, whereas it seemed under control a year ago. Bruno Le Maire's cabinet was reportedly warned by its administration of a more pronounced slowdown in activity than expected, representing a difference of 35 billion euros.
How could Bercy ignore alarming notes warning of this slippage? At the beginning of 2024, Le Maire was nevertheless reassuring, asserting that the 4.4% deficit figure was a collective objective set by the President of the Republic.
"The truth will appear later."
Reactions and proposals in the face of the crisis
Michel Barnier is preparing to push through a vote on an unprecedented figure of 60 billion euros, causing a strong stir within the former presidential majority. Gabriel Attal, former Prime Minister, declared he was "on a crest line", wishing Barnier success while recalling his disagreement with Macron over the dissolution.
Gérald Darmanin is also opposed to a possible tax increase, announcing that he would not vote for the budget. François Bayrou believes that it would be "singular for the former majority to criticize the government", emphasizing that the heavy spending of recent years has led to a drop in revenue.
Controversial measures and questioned priorities
The budget of the Aide Médicale d'État (AME), intended for legal or illegal immigrants, has seen its allocation rise from 120 million in 2000 to 1.2 billion in 2024, an increase of one billion. To bridge the deficit, M. Barnier proposes a crisis budget with 60 billion in savings.
This proposal has provoked the anger of Éric Ciotti, who describes the budget as "socialist" and "insincere", demanding a commission of inquiry. MEDEF, on the other hand, supports Barnier's emergency budgetary measures, considering the reduction of debt and deficits as a priority.
Mobilians, an automotive employers' organization, nevertheless warns of the impact of the penalty tax ("malus") which will affect 44% of new cars next year, a new tax reminiscent of the vignette. While the government asks the French people to tighten their belts, questions are being raised about the appropriateness of extra funding for the Élysée and the sending of billions of euros of weapons for a war in Central Europe.
Emmanuel Macron demands an end to weapons shipments to Israël, a democracy fighting terrorists who attack France on a daily basis. Finally, the Élysée, the Sénat and the Assemblée nationale have abandoned a budget increase in the face of public outcry, reminding that austerity must apply to everyone.
Bernard Bertucco Van Damme