The French government has emphasized that this budget is designed in such a way that it can be quickly changed after the presidential elections.
Possibility of changes in the budget
In a meeting held on Thursday, four ministers including David Amiel, Roland Lescure, Stéphanie Rist, and Jean-Pierre Farandou pointed out the importance of the ability to change the budget. David Amiel, the Minister of Public Accounts, described this action as an unprecedented opportunity for the future government.
The French government uses this argument as part of its efforts to gain support from opposition parties, especially the National Rally, to prevent the budget from being blocked. Among the measures that can be changed, freezing certain expenses can be easily amended. This includes changes to the pension system and freezing salaries.
Challenges in budget changes
One of the challenging points in this budget is its mismatch with the inflation rate. This issue could lead to a reduction in retirees' pensions, and the government hopes that these changes will result in savings of 4 billion euros. These changes could allow the future government to immediately decide on its financial policies.
However, this argument has not convinced all representatives. Éric Coquerel, the head of the finance committee and a representative of the left party, believes that if the government were truly looking to prevent freezing financial choices before the elections, it could have used a special law that would provide this opportunity for the future government.
While the government emphasizes this ability to change, some experts believe that financial and political realities could affect this possibility, and the future government may focus more on planning for next year's budget.
Ultimately, the main challenge is whether this budget will truly have the capability to change before it is approved. Laurent Panifous, the Minister for Relations with Parliament, emphasized that this flexibility must first be approved by the current parliament.
