French Lawmakers Reach Budget Deal, Government Faces Censure Risk

After intense negotiations, a 2025 budget compromise was reached, but its survival hinges on upcoming votes in Parliament.

A joint commission of deputies and senators approved the 2025 budget proposal by eight votes to six after 14 hours of negotiation.
Key measures include temporary taxes on high earners and large corporations, with cuts across several ministries to reduce the deficit to 5.4% of GDP.
The budget maintains 4,000 teaching positions but reallocates funds within the education budget to achieve this.
The government plans to use Article 49.3 of the Constitution to bypass a parliamentary vote, but opposition parties, including France Insoumise, have announced plans to file a motion of censure.
The Socialist Party remains undecided on supporting the censure motion, weighing concessions like preserving aid programs and teacher positions against broader budget cuts.