Politics · France · 13 hrs ago
France’s Court of Accounts proposes savings of up to €38 billion
France’s Court of Accounts proposed 18 ways to cut public spending and reduce the deficit.
The proposals could save up to €38 billion, with €11 billion to €14 billion already included in the 2027 budget.
They include freezing social benefit increases, raising some VAT and limiting reductions in social contributions.
The Court estimates that a one-year freeze on public-sector promotions and advancement could save about €3.8 billion to €3.9 billion.
The proposal has drawn criticism from unions, which say it would undermine a key feature of public-sector employment amid tense pay conditions.
The Court says its proposals are intended to help lawmakers weigh options as France’s growth outlook worsens.
Senate budget discussions have resumed after the National Assembly rejected two budget texts, but the proposals are not yet adopted.
France’s Court of Accounts proposed 18 measures that could save up to €38 billion and help restore public finances.
The measures could be applied from next year, and €11 billion to €14 billion are already included in the 2027 budget.
One proposal would freeze public-sector promotions and career advancements for a year, saving an estimated €3.8 billion to €3.9 billion.
Trade unions criticized the proposal as an attack on a key feature of public-sector employment amid tense pay conditions.
The court presented its proposals as options to inform lawmakers, not as an alternative budget.
- Who
- France’s Court of Accounts proposed the measures. Public-sector trade unions criticized the proposed freeze on promotions and career advancements.
- What
- The court set out 18 measures that could save up to €38 billion. They include a one-year freeze on public-sector promotions and career advancements.
- When
- The proposals were presented on 9 November 2026 and could be applied from next year.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- The measures are intended to reduce the deficit and restore public finances amid worsening growth prospects.
France’s Court of Accounts
Public-sector trade unions
Public-sector promotions and advancements
France’s Court of Accounts
The court proposed freezing them for a year as a way to reduce the deficit.
Public-sector trade unions
The unions denounced the measure as an attack on a key feature of public-sector employment.
The Court of Accounts presented 18 proposals to reduce the deficit, including a one-year freeze on public-sector promotions and advancements.
Budget discussions resumed in the Senate after the National Assembly rejected two budget texts.
- Measures proposed
- 18
- Maximum potential savings
- €38 billion
- Already included in 2027 budget
- €11 billion to €14 billion
- Public-sector promotion freeze
- One year
- Estimated savings from freeze
- €3.8 billion in Le Monde; €3.9 billion in franceinfo
2 sources
What people are saying
We cannot be content with repeating warnings.
This is not a counter-budget, nor an alternative budget.