Overview

• The Charente departmental council failed to approve its 2025 budget, valued at 615 million euros, by the April 15 deadline due to a lack of quorum.
• The prefecture has placed the department's finances under the supervision of the Chamber Régionale des Comptes (CRC) as of April 16, marking a rare intervention for a department of this size.
• Political divisions within the council, including abstentions by six left-wing secessionist members and opposition boycotts, prevented the budget vote.
• Council President Philippe Bouty faces accusations of mismanagement, with critics citing long-standing governance issues and calling for his resignation.
• The CRC has one month to draft a new budget, which the prefect will review and implement, ensuring continuity of departmental operations.