France: Ministers told to slash budget requests for 2027

France's Prime Minister has sharply rebuked his ministers over their 2027 budget proposals, deeming them "unrealistic" and out of step with the urgent need to restore public finances. In a strongly worded letter, he highlighted that the initial requests far exceeded what the government can afford.

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If everything is a priority, nothing is!

The ministers collectively sought over 30 billion euros in funding. A significant portion, 24 billion euros, was earmarked for new spending initiatives. Furthermore, their proposals included plans to create approximately 23,000 new civil servant positions in the coming year, with a further 40,000 jobs planned between 2027 and 2029.

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unrealistic demands that disregard the urgency of restoring public finances

The Prime Minister's directive, marked by "exclamation points and words underlined with angry strokes," demands a substantial reduction in these requests. The government is facing a tight deadline, with budget arbitrations for 2027 scheduled to be finalized by mid-July. This move signals a firm commitment to fiscal discipline amidst competing departmental demands.

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more than 30 billion euros in funding requests, including 24 billion euros to implement new spending. The requests submitted by your departments would also lead to the creation of more than 23,000 jobs starting next year, and about 40,000 over the period 2027-2029