French Ministers Prioritize Immediate Action Plans Amid Budget debates & Instability
PARIS – While french deputies debate teh national budget, key ministers are focusing on swiftly implementable action plans across healthcare, education, environment, and technology, prioritizing initiatives that bypass lengthy legislative processes. This approach comes as the government navigates ongoing instability marked by frequent ministerial changes and a perceived lack of capacity for large-scale structural reform.
The flurry of activity reflects a shift towards pragmatic solutions, according to sources within the administration. Rather than pursuing enterprising, law-dependent reforms, ministers are concentrating on areas where immediate impact can be achieved.This strategy is partially driven by the short-term outlook fostered by the revolving door of appointments as 2024, leaving many advisors “fumbling” in their roles and ministers hesitant to challenge established administrative structures.
Minister of the Civil Service, David Amiel, is spearheading efforts in artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Stéphanie Rist, is focused on the “France Santé” plan, aiming to guarantee all French citizens access to healthcare within a 30-minute radius of their homes. Monique Barbut, the Minister of the Environment, is prioritizing European collaborations on energy policy and preparations for COP 30 in Belém, Brazil, alongside initiatives to improve nutritional quality in nursing homes.
Education Minister Édouard Geffray is addressing educational inequalities, specifically focusing on the 15% of middle schools that account for 40% of students facing severe academic difficulties. He is working to improve student performance and overall educational quality.
The emphasis on immediate action contrasts with the lack of “structuring reforms” currently on the horizon. One executive member noted the recent transitions – the shift from Darmanin to Place Beauvau and attal to Education - were accompanied by the creation of high-security prisons and a ban on the abaya, respectively, highlighting a pattern of visible, targeted interventions.
