The French Parliament has officially approved a temporary budget to ensure the continued operation of government structures amid prolonged debates over the full 2025 budget.
On Wednesday, December 18, the Senate unanimously passed the temporary budget bill, which had earlier been adopted by the National Assembly. This measure became necessary following the resignation of Michel Barnier’s government, triggered by disagreements over the budget process.
The temporary budget will maintain the stability of government functions starting January 1, 2025, in case discussions and approval of the main budget face further delays. The political crisis caused by these budget disputes was a key factor in the government’s resignation, as detailed in the article “France Without a Prime Minister or a Budget.”
Following Barnier’s departure, President Emmanuel Macron appointed 73-year-old François Bayrou as the new Prime Minister. The formation of the new government is currently underway.
