France is facing a critical moment as it grapples with a significant budget deficit, projected to reach 5.6% of GDP this year, and potentially 6.2% by 2025. The new government under Prime Minister Michel Barnier is under pressure to devise a credible financial plan that breaks away from past budget frameworks.

Pierre Moscovici, President of the Court of Auditors, has emphasized the urgency of this task, warning that a heavily indebted nation is a powerless one.

He advocates for a detailed and comprehensive budget proposal rather than a skeletal framework that would be amended later.

Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron's stance against increasing taxes on the wealthy and large corporations has sparked criticism, as it could lead to further austerity measures affecting public services and social welfare.

The upcoming budget discussions are expected to be contentious, with calls for intelligent spending cuts and a reconsideration of fiscal policies to avoid exacerbating social inequalities.