French Minister Accuses National RallyS Policies of Threatening Economic Growth
PARIS – Minister of the Economy Roland Lescure sharply criticized the economic policies of the National Rally (RN) party, warning that political uncertainty stemming from parliamentary roadblocks-specifically regarding the Social Security budget-could jeopardize France’s projected economic growth. Lescure asserted that a failure to pass a budget risks triggering economic decisions that would undermine the positive momentum currently being experienced.
France’s economic outlook has recently been revised upwards, with the government now forecasting growth of “at least” 0.8% in 2025, an increase from the previously planned 0.7%. This revision follows a strong third quarter and builds on an updated forecast from INSEE, which in September projected 0.8% growth for 2025, up from 0.6%. Tho, lescure cautioned that this progress is contingent on maintaining economic and political stability.The minister directly linked the improved forecast to increased exports and investment by french companies, emphasizing the need for a stable budgetary framework to sustain this trend.
Lescure specifically highlighted the potential consequences of failing to adopt the draft Social Security budget for 2026, pointing to the National Assembly’s recent reintroduction of a suspension of pension reform as a source of concern. “The risk, if for example we do not have a Social Security budget on Tuesday, if we do not have a budget immediately, is that this political uncertainty generates not only economic concerns, they are already there, but economic decisions,” Lescure stated.
The debate over the budget comes amid a broader discussion of economic policy, including the attractiveness of savings schemes like Livret A, and their potential impact on taxation. Lescure’s comments underscore the government’s argument that fiscal responsibility and political certainty are crucial for continued economic recovery and investment. The vote on the full Social Security budget is scheduled for Tuesday, with an uncertain outcome.
