Richard Parks French President Emmanuel Macron is poised to appoint a new prime minister following Michel Barnier’s final cabinet meeting on Wednesday. To ensure the government continues functioning into 2025, an emergency budget bill has been introduced to prevent a shutdown.
Emergency Budget Bill to Maintain Government Operations
The outgoing government, led by Michel Barnier, proposed a special bill addressing critical budget decisions for 2024. The bill would allow the government to continue collecting taxes and duties until the new finance law is approved. The legislation will be debated in the National Assembly on Monday and in the Senate on Wednesday.
“This bill allows us to avoid a shutdown,” explained Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for the Budget and Public Accounts.
Uncertainty Over New Prime Minister Appointment
President Macron had indicated a successor for Barnier would be named by Thursday. However, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon did not confirm this timeline, stating Macron’s priority is ensuring stability during the transition.
Attention on Syria’s Changing Landscape
During the cabinet’s final meeting, ministers also discussed the situation in Syria. Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stressed the importance of a peaceful transition while guarding against the threat of extremism.
As France awaits a new prime minister, the emergency budget bill seeks to maintain stability and ensure government operations continue smoothly.