the government says it is ready for “improvements” in the effort required of communities

The effort required of the departments “could decrease”, provided that “additional spending reductions are found”, said Maud Bregeon, government spokesperson on Friday.

“We are ready for improvements” on the effort required of communities in the 2025 budget, announces Maud Bregeon, government spokesperson invited to franceinfo on Friday November 15, while the departments of the right and the center threaten to no longer pay the RSA from January 1. “We are ready to make changes to the 2025 budget” pour “distribute the effort perhaps differently”, specifies the spokesperson. The government plans an effort of 5 billion euros for communities, almost half of which (2.2 billion) for the departments.

“The door is open”continues Maud Bregeon, as part of the ongoing debate in the Senate on the revenue part of the 2025 budget. “There is no question of letting departments not be able to complete the year”she assures. The government is also paving the way for reflection “in the medium and long term on the financial and economic structure of the departments” who face an increase in social spending (RSA, social assistance for children, assistance for dependent elderly people and people with disabilities) while receiving less tax revenue.

As for the general effort of 5 billion euros requested from communities, the government estimates that “It could decrease on one condition: we will have to find additional spending reductions”underlines the spokesperson. “Our wish is not to bring local authorities to the ground. The Prime Minister has always said 'we will do neither without them nor against them'”insists Maud Bregeon.

On the other hand, the government is not in favor of an increase in VAT to 22% proposed by Senator Hervé Marseille. “I am not sure that increasing VAT is the most fair and equitable way to find tax revenue”reacts Maud Bregeon. Today, VAT represents the main tax resource of the departments. Michel Barnier is also expected Friday at 11:30 a.m. in Angers at the Assises des Départements de France to “find a modus operandi and a landing point.”