In a bold move to protest against the "untenable" budget demands from the French government, the Haute-Marne department has announced the sale of several state-occupied buildings.

Nicolas Lacroix, president of the departmental council, revealed plans to list properties such as the prefecture, sub-prefectures, and the courthouse on the popular site Leboncoin.

This decision comes as a response to the 2025 budget law, which requires local governments to save 5 billion euros, with 2.2 billion expected from departments.

Lacroix criticized the budget cuts as "direct, unjust, and brutal," warning that over 60 departments may struggle to balance their budgets by 2024. He emphasized that the French people will be the primary victims of these financial restrictions, urging a shared effort across all communities.

The sale is intended to highlight the financial strain on local governments and to "sound the alarm" about the potential cessation of essential services.