The features of a tight budget are becoming a little more clear. Thursday January 23, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance revealed the figures for additional expenditure savings and revenue from the draft budget for 2025, transmitted the day before to the High Council of Public Finances. The text provides for a budgetary effort of 52 billion euros.
Among the savings, 23.6 billion euros concern the State and its operators, while the contribution of local authorities amounts to 2 billion euros, specified the ministry, stressing that these figures could still evolve during parliamentary procedure. In the Social Security budget, examined from February 3 in the National Assembly, 8.4 billion euros in savings are planned, including 1.6 billion in reductions in employer contributions.
In addition, 1.8 billion would come from “the establishment of a contribution through work to autonomy”, that is to say seven hours of additional unpaid work per year, mentioned as a “track” by the Minister of the Economy, Eric Lombard.
Taxing wealthy individuals
Regarding revenue, additional taxation targeting businesses reaches 12.3 billion: in particular a corporate tax surcharge (8 billion), a tax on plane tickets (1 billion in a full year) or an increase of 0 .1 point (at 0.4%) of the tax on financial transactions (500 million).
The government also plans to tax rich individuals more (2 billion). He also expects 800 million from an increase in taxes on real estate purchases, and 300 million in taxes on sugary drinks and games. The State also plans to receive 2 billion euros in dividends from EDF. In 2025, the government wants to reduce the public deficit to 5.4% of GDP, compared to around 6% in 2024, with growth lowered to 0.9%, after 1.1% expected for 2024.
The draft state budget for 2025 passed the stage of Senatea first step for the government of François Bayrou, which is still seeking to negotiate its survival with the socialists. A joint committee (CMP) is scheduled for January 30 to try to reach a compromise text. If it is conclusive, the deputies will be presented with the common text in the week of February 3 for a final vote, with potentially the use of 49.3, undoubtedly followed by a new motion of censure. According to Bercy, with the abandonment of the elimination of 4,000 positions in National Education, the draft budget amended by the Senate provides for the creation of 3,076 jobs for the State, while 812 positions are eliminated within operators .