Accompanied by other parliamentary leaders, the first secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, assured that although they do not want another motion, they intend to “progress and fruitful dialogue, which has not existed until now”.
French socialists warned the government this Monday that they will support a motion of censure if they do not receive “significant concessions” in negotiating the budget for 2025, at a time when the country is struggling with high public debt.
“If there are no significant concessions, we are ready to assume our responsibility again, including with a motion of censure,” said the first secretary of the Socialist Party (PS), Olivier Faure, in statements to the press after a meeting with the Minister of Economy , Eric Lombard.
Accompanied by other parliamentary leaders, Olivier Faure assured that although they do not want another motion, they intend to “progress and fruitful dialogue, which has not existed until now”.
According to the socialist leader, contacts will continue this week and, depending on the “progress” that can be made and the content of the general policy declaration by the centrist Prime Minister, François Bayrou, on January 14 in the National Assembly, they will decide on the presentation of the motion.
“We want what we represent on the left to be respected”, because “it was the left that won the legislative elections” in July last year, argued Olivier Faure.
A “political crisis that could lead to an economic and social crisis”
O socialist warned that France is suffering a “political crisis that could lead to an economic and social crisis”, so “everyone must assume their responsibilities, both the opposition and the Government”.
During the meeting, the Government presented “a proposal for modification, an evolution” of the retirement age of 64, approved in 2023, said socialist senator Patrick Kanner.
The exchange of views took place during the first day of contacts, this Monday, between the Minister of Economy, Éric Lombard, and several parties, aiming to prepare the budget for 2025.
Lombard, in statements to public radio France Inter, slightly lowered his ambition to reduce the public deficit this year, advancing that he seeks an effort (increase in revenue and decrease in expenses) of 50 billion euros, lower than the 60 billion euros intended by the Previous government.
The change of Government annulled the previous budget project for 2025 and the new Government of François Bayrou, 73 years old, appointed on December 13 by President Emmanuel Macron, intends to approve a new one at the beginning of March at the latest.
