France has unveiled an emergency budget law aimed at preventing a shutdown of government services, as the country faces entering 2025 without an approved financial plan following recent political upheaval.
The special law, presented to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, contains three key articles designed to maintain essential state functions and prevent any interruption of public services.
It comes in the wake of a political impasse that has stalled the passage of key finance legislation.
“The objective is really to ensure the continuity of the state,” a government source told FranceInfo, adding that the law contains “no political reform”.
The legislation will allow the government to continue collecting existing taxes and permit state borrowing through the French Treasury Agency.
It also authorises four social security organisations to take out loans to maintain their operations.
However, the emergency measure blocks any new tax initiatives and freezes several planned investments, including 25.7 billion euros in commitment authorisations for the armed forces.
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Recruitment freeze
The temporary law also affects public sector recruitment, with 700 planned military positions and 1,500 justice ministry jobs now on hold until a full budget can be passed.
“Recruitment necessary for the continuity of public services can nevertheless continue,” the finance ministry said.
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