The recent departure of the French Minister of Civil Service, Guillaume Kasbarian, from the Élysée Palace on October 15, 2023, has sparked strong reactions and raised questions about the savings announced by the government. Indeed, the announcement of €5 billion in additional savings in various sectors has sown controversy and highlighted the government’s strategic choices.
These austerity measures affect in particular development aid, culture, support schemes for greening vehicles and sick leave in the civil service. Among the most discussed measures are the increase in sick leave waiting days to 3 days, as well as the reduction of remuneration to 90% during the first three months of sick leave. These adjustments aim to align public sector practices with those of the private sector, but raise concerns about the impact on the working conditions of public employees.
The difficult economic context, with a budget deficit of 5% of GDP, has pushed the government to take drastic measures to redress the accounts. While some of these savings were already planned in previous budgets, there were still 5 billion euros to be found. This announcement was greeted with some apprehension, particularly by trade unions who fear for the purchasing power of civil servants and the quality of public services.
In addition, ministries will have to face a significant reduction in their precautionary reserve, with the exception of some such as the Ministries of Defense, the Interior, Justice, Higher Education and Overseas Territories. This “reduction in sails” will be detailed later by the government, as will the savings targeted in different sectors.
The objective of these measures is to redress public finances and ensure the sustainability of state spending in the long term. However, it is essential that these decisions are taken fairly and taking into account the real needs of the population. Dialogue with stakeholders, including trade unions and citizens, is essential to ensure a smooth transition and minimise the social impacts of these reforms.
In conclusion, public finance management is a crucial issue for the country’s economic stability. The austerity measures announced by the government raise important questions about social justice and the quality of public services. It is essential to find a balance between the need to reduce expenditure and respect for the rights of citizens and public sector workers.