The presidents of CCI France, Alain Di Crescenzo, and CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne, Philippe Valentin, have raised concerns about a proposed 2027 finance bill (PLF) that would cut 125 million euros from the budget of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI). The PLF, introduced in the Council of Ministers on October 1st, could lead to nearly half of the CCI network closing and result in 2,000 job losses among its 13,600 employees, according to Di Crescenzo. In Lyon, the CCI Lyon Métropole Saint-Étienne Roanne could lose about 4 million euros out of 16 million euros in resources, representing a 25% decrease, as noted by Valentin. The proposed budget reduction comes at a time of economic uncertainty. The optimism indicator for French businesses dropped to 57 points in September 2026, down from 69 in August and 108 in February 2022. Only 7% of business managers express confidence in the future of the French economy, while confidence in their own companies stands at 60%, a decrease of eight points over a month. Di Crescenzo mentioned that the CCI network has also seen a decline in confidence, losing 12 points in September to reach its lowest level since the pandemic. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are reportedly struggling, with 30% experiencing cash flow problems and making disinvestments. Valentin emphasized that business leaders are unsure if they can survive the autumn and stressed the need for a clear vision for the near future. The reduction in CCI funding also coincides with the implementation of electronic invoicing, which took effect on September 1st. Di Crescenzo described this as an added burden for businesses, though he acknowledged it could be beneficial for public finances if executed well, potentially generating billions of euros in additional VAT. CCI leaders are working to influence the review of the PLF, noting that almost all parliamentary groups have proposed amendments to protect the CCI from the proposed cuts. The CCI network, which supported more than 1.2 million businesses and project initiators in 2025, is at risk of becoming disconnected from parts of the French economy, especially in vulnerable regions. The reduction in funding would weaken the CCI's ability to support businesses, train apprentices, and maintain local economic services. In 2025, the CCI network trained more than 500,000 people, including 210,000 employees, 133,000 apprentices, 100,000 students, and more than 23,000 job seekers. As a major player in vocational training and apprenticeships, the CCI's reduced resources would affect the training of hundreds of thousands of apprentices and employees at a time when businesses are struggling to find skilled workers. Di Crescenzo warned that the reduction would primarily affect businesses, young people, and regions, leaving SMEs to face challenges alone and weakening the training of half a million people. He emphasized that saving 125 million euros today on business support and training could cost the French economy much more in the future. Over the past 15 years, the CCI's resources have decreased by 64 percent, despite efforts to become more efficient. The new budget cut could undermine these modernization efforts and deprive the state of a key player in local economic development. CCI France and the entire network are urging the government and parliamentarians to reconsider the reduction and ensure a stable budget trajectory to preserve their ability to support businesses, train young people, and support regional development.