Wed Nov 13 04:23:03 UTC 2024: ## French Parliament Rejects Opposition-Amended Budget, Government Gains Free Hand

**Paris, November 13, 2024:** The French National Assembly on Tuesday rejected a government budget proposal heavily amended by the opposition, granting Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s minority government greater control in the budget process.

The opposition-laden budget, which included substantial tax increases, failed to garner enough support, with 362 MPs voting against it and 192 in favor. The vote comes as France faces pressure to balance its budget amidst a high national debt.

The rejected budget proposal saw a significant transformation from the initial 60 billion euro plan presented by Prime Minister Barnier. The left-wing alliance, comprised of France Unbowed, Socialists, Greens, and Communists, introduced numerous new taxes, aiming for greater social and environmental justice. These amendments ultimately increased the projected tax revenue to 75 billion euros, according to LFI leader Mathilde Panot.

However, the government, along with the far-right National Rally (RN), ultimately rejected the amended budget. According to centrist lawmaker Charles de Courson, many of the new taxes were incompatible with European Union membership or unconstitutional.

Despite the setback, the government now has the opportunity to present a revised budget to the Senate. The two chambers will then need to come together to reach a compromise.

Prime Minister Barnier, who is seeking to restore confidence in France’s fiscal management, has faced pressure from global rating agencies who are considering downgrades to the country’s creditworthiness.

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