Overview
- A classified note dated April 6, 2024 from then‑economy minister Bruno Le Maire warned of collapsing tax receipts, urged a supplemental budget law and roughly €15 billion in savings, and aimed to cap the 2024 deficit at 4.9% of GDP.
- France’s 2024 public deficit ultimately came in far higher at about 5.8% of GDP, reflecting an unexpected shortfall in tax revenues of roughly €40–42 billion.
- La France insoumise and the Rassemblement National accuse the executive of an “omission d’État,” alleging the budget presented to lawmakers was insincere and claiming the 2024 European elections’ integrity was affected.
- Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon says the deficit is on track for 2025 at 5.4% of GDP, and a year‑end budget text presented Monday confirms the unchanged forecast and a 0.4‑point reduction versus 2024.
- Le Maire publicly acknowledges major forecasting errors on receipts (“we got it wrong, big time”); current economy minister Roland Lescure says he was unaware of the letter, which parliamentary investigators say they reviewed.