The President of the Republic gave his support to the athletes who wrote an article in L'Équipe to denounce the budget cuts planned in the 2025 Sports budget.
Emmanuel Macron did not wait long to respond to the discontent displayed by the 425 athletes who signed a column in L'Équipe this Wednesday to denounce the probable drop in the 2025 sports budget. Cuts which come a few months after the success of the Olympic Games and the repeated speeches from the State in recent years concerning the legacy that this event should leave for French sport.
“You are right. Since 2017, I have ensured that the sports budget increases every year. We organized magnificent Olympic and Paralympic Games”the head of state informed the daily before insisting: “We must keep our commitments and provide the means for our athletes and so that the legacy of the Games benefits everyone.”
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Sports represent 0.2% of the budget
A clear response to the signatories of the forum who are concerned about a probable drop of 33% in the Sports budget, going from 909 to 607 million euros. “However, this already only represents 0.2% of the total state budget. Added to this is a 50% drop in credits in certain local authorities, which are nevertheless real pillars for our clubs”protest the athletes.
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They warned of the numerous consequences that such a decision could have (fewer local facilities, fewer clubs and practice slots accessible to the greatest number of people, fewer physical activities at school, fewer educators trained to supervise inclusive practices, a broken high-level chain, athletes less well supported and the non-respect of millions of club volunteers). A grumble summed up in one sentence: “It’s not just an economy, it’s a sabotage of living together!”
The government judges “legitimate» this planing
Will the appeal of athletes be heard by the Bayrou government? Nothing is less certain. On the contrary, he believes “legitimate” the planing of the budget because it had been increased in 2024 for the Olympic Games. “We had an exceptional streak in 2024 with budgets that had been increased for sport, it is legitimate that we return to a more reasonable low level”declared Sophie Primas, government spokesperson after the Council of Ministers.
