French President Emmanuel Macron is set to appoint a new prime minister following outgoing PM Michel Barnier’s final cabinet meeting on Wednesday. To avoid a potential government shutdown, a special budget bill has been proposed to ensure operations continue into 2025.
Special Bill to Prevent Shutdown
The bill, designed to address key budgetary decisions for 2024, will allow the government to keep collecting taxes and duties until the 2024 finance law is passed. The proposal will be debated in the National Assembly on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday.
“This bill allows us to avoid a shutdown,” said Laurent Saint-Martin, Minister Delegate for the Budget.
Awaiting a New Prime Minister
Macron had promised to name Barnier’s successor by Thursday, but government spokesperson Maud Bregeon did not confirm the exact timeline. She emphasized that Macron is focused on ensuring institutional stability.
Focus on Syrian Stability
In the same meeting, ministers addressed the evolving situation in Syria. Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for a peaceful transition in the region while remaining vigilant against extremism.
France aims to maintain stability both at home and abroad during this period of transition.
