Cancellation of planned event

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu canceled his planned appearance at the Departmental Assemblies of France, where he was to address concerns about a proposed 1.8 billion euro budget cut for departments in the 2027 finance bill. The decision came amid ongoing tensions between the government and local officials.

Reason given for absence

Lecornu explained his absence by citing the need to address high school student protests and the possible resurgence of the yellow vests movement, a nationwide protest movement that began in 2018. He invited departmental presidents to meet with him at Matignon, the official residence of the French Prime Minister, on November 16 to discuss their concerns.

Criticism from departmental leaders

The decision to cancel the appearance was criticized by departmental presidents, including François Sauvadet, president of the Departments of France. Sauvadet called it a "political mistake" and warned that the postponement would "exacerbate tensions" between the government and local authorities.

Unsuccessful communication attempt

A letter from Lecornu to the departmental presidents did not ease concerns, with Sauvadet stating that the letter "exacerbated the tensions." He also noted that he had not had any direct contact with the Prime Minister since July, highlighting a perceived lack of communication from the government.

Criticism of budget proposals

Sauvadet criticized the proposed budget cuts, including a reduction in the safeguard fund for 57 departments from 600 to 100 million euros. He also pointed out the increasing financial burden on local authorities through the progressive contribution of territorial collectivities to the budgetary effort (CPEB), which totals 551 million euros for the departments.

Calls for government action

Sauvadet urged the government to abandon what he called "this super deduction from our resources" and called for an increase in the government's contribution to fund individual solidarity allowances for disability, RSA, APA, and the elderly. He also questioned the government on savings made in the functioning of the French state apparatus over the past two years.