French President Emmanuel Macron is set to appoint a new prime minister as outgoing PM Michel Barnier’s cabinet held its final meeting on Wednesday. To ensure government operations continue smoothly into 2025, a special budget bill has been proposed to prevent a potential shutdown.
Special Bill to Maintain Government Operations
The outgoing government, led by Michel Barnier, prepared a special bill designed to address essential budgetary matters for 2024 and sustain operations into 2025. This measure will be debated in the National Assembly on Monday and in the Senate on Wednesday.
“This bill, to put it simply, allows us to avoid a shutdown,” explained Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for the Budget and Public Accounts. He clarified that the legislation would temporarily permit the government to continue collecting existing taxes and duties until the 2024 finance law is passed.
Uncertainty Over New Prime Minister Appointment
President Macron had previously indicated that Barnier’s successor would be appointed by Thursday. However, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon did not confirm this timeline. “The President of the Republic has not provided details on when he will make his choice,” Bregeon stated. She emphasized that Macron is focused on ensuring institutional stability during this transition.
Focus on Syria’s Stability
During their final meeting, ministers also discussed the situation in Syria. Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot underscored the importance of a peaceful transition in the region while addressing the ongoing threat of extremism. France remains committed to supporting stability and mitigating security risks in Syria.
As France prepares for a change in leadership, the proposed budget bill aims to ensure the government remains functional and stable during this period of transition.