2024-12-05 22:52:00
For the frist time in forty-five years, France will end the year without a budget for the following year and will have to pass a special law to ensure the continuity of the state.Highly unlikely yesterday, this exceptional scenario is now certain, according to Emmanuel Macron. “A special law will be presented in Parliament by mid-December” deposit “ensure the continuity of public services and the life of the country”, the President of the Republic said in a televised speech on Thursday 5 December, speaking in the future even if presenting a bill is not part of his mandate. Then, “at the beginning of the year”, the government yet to be appointed “will prepare a new budget”, he added.
In a few words,the story of the most intricate budget of the Fifth Republic ends. A cursed budget, prepared without enthusiasm by the resigning government of Gabriel Attal, revised in two weeks by michel Barnier, transmitted out of time to the Assembly, to be torn to pieces by opponents on all sides, and now thrown in the bin by the president of the la Republic. An impossible budget,divided between the need for strong measures to reduce a spiraling deficit and the inability of a fragmented assembly to agree on the policy to be pursued.
After the fall of Michel Barnier, some still thought it was conceivable that a new prime minister would take up the text being discussed in the Senate, amend it and have it adopted by Parliament before Christmas. “If the president appoints a prime minister very quickly, he is playable,” Philippe Brun, the leader of the Socialist budget deputies, said Thursday.
Hopes are dashed
emmanuel Macron’s speech dampened these hopes. the search for a budget passed by the end of the year is over.Make way for the special law, a procedure already used only once, in 1979.on Christmas Eve, the Constitutional Council censored the budget project for 1980 that Prime Minister Raymond Barre had adopted without respecting the correct procedure. In case of emergency, the government passed a bill in two short sentences, authorizing it “continue to collect the taxes and duties that existed in 1980.”
A similar text is being studied in Bercy and Matignon. The objective is to prevent the State from no longer having the means to act starting from January 1st, due to lack of budget. As in 1979, the first sentence should authorize the state to collect taxes, so that revenues continue to enter the public coffers. This time the special law should also allow the State and Social Security to go into debt.
What are the potential outcomes of a motion of censure in the French National Assembly?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Economics expert
Time.news editor: Good day, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re delving into a critical moment in French politics as the Finance Committee Chair and MP from La France Insoumise, Eric Coquerel, recently defended a motion of censure in the National Assembly. To help us unpack this event and it’s implications, we have with us Dr. Clara Bresson, an expert in political economics. Welcome, Dr. Bresson!
Dr. clara Bresson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to discuss such an crucial issue.
Editor: Let’s start with the motion of censure itself. What exactly does it entail, and why is it meaningful in the current political climate?
Dr. Bresson: A motion of censure is a parliamentary procedure that allows lawmakers to challenge the government’s actions and policy decisions. If approved, it can lead to the resignation of the government. in this case, Coquerel’s motion signals a serious dissent against the government’s financial policies, which many feel are detrimental to public welfare. Given the economic climate in France, characterized by rising costs and public discontent, this motion reflects the growing frustration among citizens.
Editor: That’s a pertinent point. Rising costs have indeed been a significant concern.how do you think this motion will resonate with the general public?
Dr. Bresson: The public is largely affected by economic policies,especially those regarding taxation and social services. Coquerel has positioned his party as a voice for the working class, and his motion could garner public support, especially from those struggling economically. However, it also depends on how effectively the opposition communicates their concerns and the government’s ability to respond to criticisms.
Editor: Speaking of the response, how do you assess the government’s likely reaction to this motion?
Dr.Bresson: The government is likely to defend its policies aggressively. they may argue that the measures implemented are necessary for economic stability and recovery. However, if they fail to address the concerns raised by coquerel and his supporters, they risk losing trust among the electorate, which could lead to significant political consequences down the line.
Editor: Interesting perspective. Do you think this situation could lead to broader political shifts within France, perhaps affecting future elections?
Dr. Bresson: absolutely. movements like this can act as catalysts for change. if the opposition can successfully harness public dissent and present credible alternatives, we could see a shift away from the current administration in the next elections. Political sentiments are fluid, especially when economic conditions are challenging.
Editor: So, what should we watch for in the coming weeks as this motion develops?
Dr. Bresson: Key factors will include the government’s narrative and how they engage with citizens’ concerns, as well as the reactions from within the National Assembly. Pay attention to debates around this motion and any shifts in public opinion as they could directly influence decision-making processes in the weeks to come.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Bresson,for sharing your insights with us today.It’s clear that this motion of censure is just the beginning of what could be a pivotal moment for both French politics and the electorate’s future.
Dr. bresson: Thank you for having me.I look forward to seeing how this unfolds!
Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.