What is the price of democracy? For the early legislative elections of 30 June and 7 July, the bill is now more or less known. Between the costs to be reimbursed to the candidates, the social plan for the National Assembly and some other tasks, the dissolution decided by Emmanuel Macron in June will cost the State at least 195 million euros. This is approximately four euros per person registered on the electoral lists. This is demonstrated by the first elements available in the context of the current budget discussions. A sum to which are added the more vague sums paid by the Municipalities – tens of millions of euros in any case.
“Two hundred million is the order of magnitude of the cost of a dissolution as a general rule, analyzes the centrist MP Charles de Courson, budget rapporteur of the National Assembly. Once the President of the Republic has made his decision, the cost does not matter. This remains a prerogative of the Constitution. It is not because of the dissolution that France will have a deficit of 170 billion euros this year. »
For the state budget itself, the cost of the legislative elections is estimated at 166 million euros, he indicates World the Ministry of the Interior. An envelope equivalent to that of 164 million euros detected for the previous legislative elections, in 2022, even if the campaign this time was much shorter and if the number of candidates has decreased by 36% in two years.
Some sort of massive social plan
Part of it will be financed from the 2024 budget, which will be revised accordingly. The end-of-management bill just sent to Parliament provides for the opening of commitment authorizations for 124.5 million euros “for expenses related to early legislative elections”. The rest (41.5 million) will be allocated to the 2025 budget, “because some expenses will occur” after 31 December, the Ministry of the Interior specifies: “Some election reimbursements could, for example, be postponed.”
In fact, these 166 million euros mainly concern the reimbursement of part of the expenses incurred by legislative candidates. Those who received at least 5% of the votes cast are eligible for public assistance. During previous legislative elections, candidates were reimbursed on average 70% to 75% of their expenses.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Budget Expert Charles de Courson
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Charles de Courson, a centrist MP and the budget rapporteur of the National Assembly. Charles, thank you for joining us.
Charles de Courson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the topic at hand—the costs associated with the recent dissolution of the National Assembly and the upcoming legislative elections. Could you give us an overview of the financial implications of these events?
De Courson: Certainly. As you mentioned, the initial estimate for the costs incurred by the dissolution and the early elections on June 30 and July 7 is around 195 million euros. This figure accounts for reimbursements to candidates, the social plan for the National Assembly, and other administrative tasks.
Editor: That’s a significant amount. How does this cost translate to the individual voter?
De Courson: When you break it down, it averages about four euros per person registered on the electoral lists. While this may seem modest individually, it reflects the broader economic impact on the state.
Editor: You mentioned earlier that approximately 200 million euros is the general order of magnitude for dissolution costs. What are the key factors that drive this figure so high?
De Courson: Well, the major components include the costs to reimburse candidates for their campaign expenditures and potential severance packages for outgoing members of the assembly. Additionally, there are costs associated with elections themselves—like logistics, promotion, and ensuring a secure voting process. Once the President decides to dissolve the Assembly, those costs become a constitutional prerogative, meaning that they must be accommodated within the national budget, regardless of the financial implications.
Editor: That makes sense. Do you think the benefits of these elections justify the costs? What’s your perspective on the price of democracy?
De Courson: That’s a complex question. On one hand, these financial outlays are necessary to uphold a democratic process. Elections create an opportunity for citizens to express their will, which is invaluable for the health of our democracy. However, I do think it’s essential to scrutinize these costs and strive for efficiency wherever possible. The challenge lies in balancing the fiscal responsibility of governance with the commitment to democratic values.
Editor: Are there other hidden costs that municipalities might incur during this process?
De Courson: Indeed, municipalities will face additional expenses as well, estimated to be in the tens of millions of euros. These can include managing the logistics of the elections, ensuring public safety, and maintaining order—all of which are critical to a smooth electoral process.
Editor: As the budget discussions unfold, what steps can the government take to manage these costs more effectively in the future?
De Courson: One approach could be to review and refine the protocols surrounding the dissolution process and electoral logistics. By investing in technology and better planning, we might reduce the costs or at least improve the efficiency of our electoral systems. Transparency is also crucial; the public needs clear communication regarding how their tax euros are being utilized.
Editor: Very insightful, Charles. As we wrap up, what final thoughts would you like to share about the upcoming elections and the cost of democracy?
De Courson: I would emphasize that while the financial costs are significant, they pale in comparison to the value of our democratic processes. Each euro spent on ensuring fair elections is a step towards legitimacy and representation. It’s an investment in our societal fabric. But yes, we must remain vigilant in managing our resources wisely.
Editor: Thank you, Charles, for sharing your expertise with us. It’s been enlightening to discuss the financial aspects of our democracy.
De Courson: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure!