The French government is facing backlash from local governments over proposed budget cuts for 2025. The government plans to reduce spending by at least 6.5 billion euros, affecting communes, departments, and regions.

This includes a controversial 5 billion euro cut through mechanisms like the Local Finance Resilience Fund and changes to VAT compensation.

Local leaders argue these cuts threaten essential services and investments, such as public building maintenance and energy efficiency projects.

The reduction of the Green Fund from 2.5 billion to 1 billion euros further exacerbates concerns, particularly regarding ecological transitions.

Local officials, including the Association of French Mayors, express frustration, calling for a reevaluation of public intervention scopes and warning of potential service disruptions.