François Bayrou addressed budgetary negotiations, confirming no teacher layoffs and no new taxes for households in 2025. He urged party collaboration amid looming censure threats. Bayrou rejected proposals for unpaid labor to support Social Security and emphasized the importance of a budget to facilitate policy implementation. He acknowledged immigration concerns but aimed for a balanced approach. As the government prepares for a crucial joint committee meeting, adjustments to the Senate’s budget version are necessary to achieve compromise.
In a recent address, François Bayrou emphasized that the Socialist Party is not facing job cuts for teachers, while the right and center will not impose new taxes on households. With the threat of censure looming, Bayrou reiterated the importance of collaboration among parties to reach a budgetary compromise.
“I have faith in everyone’s sense of responsibility,” Bayrou stated during his interview on LCI.
This discussion comes as committee debates on Social Security funding resumed on Monday, leading up to a pivotal joint meeting of seven senators and seven deputies on Thursday to negotiate the state budget.
Bayrou aims to persuade the Socialist Party not to support censure. He confirmed that the proposed elimination of 4,000 teaching positions has been dropped, a decision he labeled as ‘final’ following Socialist requests.
Furthermore, Bayrou rejected the idea of mandating seven hours of unpaid labor annually to support Social Security, a proposal that had sparked concern among both Socialists and some members of the Macronist camp. He asserted that “work should be compensated.”
“The numbers aren’t fully aligned yet, but we’re making progress,” responded Patrick Kanner, leader of the socialist senators, during the same interview.
However, Bayrou noted that Socialists are not the only group with expectations, mentioning demands from both the right and the presidential camp. He confirmed that while there will be an exceptional contribution from high earners and large corporations, households will not face new taxes in 2025.
– Addressing Immigration Concerns –
On the topic of immigration, Bayrou acknowledged that “many cities and regions” feel a sense of ‘overwhelm.’
These comments drew sharp criticism from LFI coordinator Manuel Bompard, who argued that such sentiments do not reflect reality, citing that foreigners make up only 7.7% of France’s population according to INSEE data.
While advocating for stricter land rights in Mayotte, Bayrou maintains his stance as a mediator. He pointed out that both right-wing Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is calling for tougher regulations on foreign nationals, and Eric Lombard from the Economy Ministry, who argues for the necessity of labor immigration, both hold valid perspectives.
Bayrou reiterated the urgency of establishing a budget, warning that without one, the implementation of new policies would be unfeasible.
He also promised significant restructuring of state organization, emphasizing a necessary reduction in size.
As discussions continue regarding the Social Security financing bill (PLFSS), the government is revisiting a version initially passed by the Senate in late November. The anticipated deficit for 2025 has now risen to at least 23 billion euros, up from 16 billion mentioned earlier, largely due to the withdrawal of savings measures related to pensions and concessions made to the Socialists regarding hospital budgets and medical reimbursements.
Following the committee’s review, this bill is set to return to the assembly starting February 3.
– The Quest for a Compromise Budget –
In the meantime, the government is gearing up for a critical meeting of the joint mixed committee (CMP) on Thursday aimed at forging a compromise on the state budget for 2025.
This CMP, supported by the government’s majority, represents one of the final chances to incorporate concessions that could withstand censure challenges.
The executive understands that the Senate’s version of the budget requires adjustments to evolve into a ‘compromise budget,’ as highlighted by Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin on Sunday.
The CMP’s outcome will be presented to the Assembly during the week of February 3, likely utilizing the 49-3 procedure, which could trigger another censure motion from the Insoumis.
Consequently, the executive is reaching out to socialist members, who had previously opted against supporting a censure in mid-January, though they have not made future commitments. Montchalin emphasized that a compromise would not preclude the Socialists from remaining in opposition.
This scenario was strongly dismissed by Manuel Bompard, who warned that if the Socialists abstain from voting against this censure, they might change alliances and provide ‘support without participation’ in the government.