Budget 2027: Lecornu tells ministers to revise 'unrealistic' demands

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed his ministers to drastically revise their budget requests for 2027, labeling many of them as "unrealistic." In a letter obtained by Les Échos, Lecornu urged his cabinet members to identify "real political priorities" for the upcoming finance bill, emphasizing the need to curb excessive spending demands from their administrations.

The budget preparation conferences have highlighted a significant shortfall, revealing over 30 billion euros in additional funding requirements. Of this amount, 24 billion euros are earmarked for new expenditures. These demands, if met, could lead to the creation of approximately 23,000 state and operator jobs starting next year, with an additional 40,000 jobs projected between 2027 and 2029. Lecornu's letter explicitly addresses "Framing letter for the preparation of the finance bill for 2027."

Lecornu expressed concern over budget requests that are "clearly not prioritized" and "unrealistic." He argued that these demands disregard the urgent need to restore public finances, which he deems crucial for national sovereignty, especially given the current geopolitical and macroeconomic climate. This directive comes as the government has pledged to present a budget without tax increases.

"We must be serious," Lecornu stated, urging ministers to take control of their administrations' requests and correct them. He indicated that discussions with the Minister of Public Action and Accounts would help identify genuine political priorities and potential productivity gains. Lecornu plans to make his final decisions based on these revised proposals. The government is expected to present the broad outlines of the 2027 budget by mid-July, following bilateral discussions between ministers and the Minister of Public Accounts.