Politician Lecornu curtails benefits for ex-prime ministers, striking a compromise between left-wing and right-wing pressures
New French Prime Minister Faces Challenges in Balancing Budget and Strikes
Sébastien Lecornu, the new French Prime Minister, has been tasked with forming a government following François Bayrou's loss of a confidence vote over his proposed budget. Lecornu is under pressure to strike a balance between cuts demanded by the right and tax increases on the wealthy demanded by the left.
One of the key challenges Lecornu faces is the €4 billion hole in the budget that would be left if the scrapping of Bayrou's plan to cut two public holidays is maintained. Business owners, whose Medef union warned that any tax increases to cover the budget deficit would spark a backlash, are also putting pressure on Lecornu.
The left-wing parties have been calling for the "Zucman tax," a 2 percent tax on wealth exceeding €100 million. While Bayrou dismissed it as unconstitutional, Lecornu has not ruled it out. However, the Republicans are insistent that they will not support this tax.
Lecornu has stated that "we cannot ask the French people to make sacrifices if those at the top of the state do not." In line with this, he has opened talks with opposition parties and unions this week in an attempt to form a government that can survive future confidence votes.
The new Prime Minister is also facing opposition from trade unions. The CGT trade union, led by Sophie Binet, has called for a nationwide strike on Thursday, 18 September, aimed at pressuring the government to reduce cuts on workers. The strikes are one of the biggest in years for France. Binet urged Lecornu to scrap pension reforms and ask for a new reform of unemployment benefits.
In an effort to reduce costs, Lecornu has decided to remove perks for former ministers. As of 1 January, 2026, France's former prime ministers will no longer receive a lifetime chauffeur service. Police protection will only be granted to former prime ministers and interior ministers for a limited time, with renewal based on actual risk.
Lecornu aims to negotiate with political forces to stabilize the budget and find a stable financial course amid France's high debt and political instability. This approach reflects his priority to establish consensus and financial sovereignty rather than rigid adherence to unpopular measures. He has also stated the need to protect "professional assets" which he said fuel jobs and growth.
However, Lecornu has been warned that if he does not make a strong and immediate break with the past, he may end up in the "already overflowing graveyard of prime ministers." Binet, head of the CGT trade union, met with Lecornu and delivered this message.
France's debt cost the state €1.58 million in 2024 and €2.8 million per year for police protection, according to a 2019 parliamentary report. Lecornu's decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial in addressing these financial challenges and finding a balance that appeases all parties involved.
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