Budget cut for digital inclusion

The government led by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has proposed a significant reduction in the budget for digital inclusion in its 2027 financial bill. The budget would drop to 3 million euros for 2027, compared to about 40 million euros in 2025 and 14 million euros in 2026.

Program 343 budget reduction

The bill also plans to cut the budget for Program 343, known as the "France Very High Speed Plan." This program aims to transition from copper to fiber optic networks and help vulnerable groups access new digital services.

Digital advisors at risk

Previously, the funding allowed associations to provide digital advisors through a national initiative started in 2021. These advisors help people like the elderly with devices and administrative tasks. However, the proposed budget reduction threatens nearly 3,000 such positions.

Government rationale for cuts

The annex of the financial bill states that in light of public finance constraints, the government decided in 2025 to gradually reduce state funding for the initiative. It suggests that France Service advisors, who assist with administrative procedures, would take over the role.

Criticism from digital inclusion groups

Luc Derriano from Avicca said the organization has raised concerns about the funding cuts for months, but the government has ignored their warnings. He noted that proposed solutions to maintain the funding have been dismissed by the Ministry of Economy.

Calls for urgent action

La Belle Alliance, a coalition of digital inclusion groups, asked the government in September to cover 115 million euros annually and integrate association support with France Service centers. These requests were not met with concrete funding plans.

Efforts to find alternative funding

Some deputies are exploring alternative ways to fund digital inclusion. Socialist deputy Jacques Oberti proposed raising the flat tax on network companies, but the idea was rejected by the Finance Committee.