Consultations on the 2025 Budget: Towards Necessary Political Compromises

A week of discussions marks a turning point for public finances

Economy Minister Éric Lombard concluded a week of political consultations on the 2025 budget this Friday, January 10. He announced that he would transmit the summary and conclusions of these discussions to Prime Minister François Bayrou the following day, specifying that the Prime Minister would make the final decision during his general policy statement.

These discussions involved all political parties represented in the National Assembly, with a common goal: to establish a budget that meets the country’s needs while being based on compromises. Éric Lombard praised the sense of responsibility and transparency that guided the debates, adding that the 2025 budget required compromises to reduce the deficit and control public spending.

Amélie de Montchalin, Minister Delegate for Public Accounts, emphasized the urgency of providing France with a budget, stressing that without it, “France would be in ‘minimum service’ mode.” She highlighted the need to amend the texts currently under discussion quickly in order to ease public finances.

The parties expressed diverse viewpoints. The National Rally, represented by Sébastien Chenu, felt “considered” during the discussions, although they regretted a lack of clarity on certain tax issues. RN deputies notably pushed for proposals on cost-saving measures, including contributions to the European Union and immigration. On the left, tensions rose within the New Popular Union, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticizing the “servility” of the Socialist, Green, and Communist parties, who themselves called for a pause on the pension reform.

This dialogue, without red lines but guided by strong convictions, marks a crucial step before the final presentation of the budget by the Prime Minister.