French Senate Approves 2025 Budget, Government Faces Challenges Ahead

The Bayrou administration secures Senate support but must navigate opposition and negotiations to finalize the budget by February.

• The French Senate passed the 2025 budget proposal with 217 votes in favor and 105 against, backed by a right-centrist majority supporting the Bayrou government.
• Left-wing parties, including socialists and ecologists, strongly opposed the budget, criticizing deep cuts to areas like ecology, housing, and sports funding.
• A commission of senators and deputies will meet on January 30 to reconcile differences and produce a compromise budget that can withstand further censure attempts in the National Assembly.
• The government aims to reduce the public deficit to 5.4% of GDP in 2025, requiring €32 billion in spending cuts and €21 billion in new revenue, including taxes on corporations and high-income individuals.
• Criticism from sports federations and activists has intensified over funding cuts, with leaders warning of negative impacts on social programs and infrastructure post-Olympics.

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