Gérard Larcher, President of the French Senate, expressed concerns about being kept in the dark regarding the country’s budgetary situation. He believes that Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and President Emmanuel Macron may have ignored warnings about the growing deficit and public spending issues. Larcher highlighted discrepancies between government forecasts from 2023 and the actual deficit in 2024, prompting investigations by parliamentary committees to uncover the reasons behind the 50 billion euro gap. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in fiscal matters during his interview on CNews-Europe 1.
The Senate President raised doubts about the accuracy of information provided by the government in autumn 2023 regarding the deficit, which was projected to be 6.1% of GDP instead of the initially forecasted 5.1%. Larcher praised the decision to transform the National Assembly’s finance committee into an investigative body to examine the deficit overshoot. He called for a comprehensive review of the budgetary process to identify potential flaws and inefficiencies. Despite criticism over tax increases and spending cuts proposed in Michel Barnier’s government budget, Larcher emphasized the importance of reducing public expenditures to address France’s economic challenges effectively.
In addition to his concerns about the budget, Gérard Larcher supported Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau’s stance on immigration issues. Larcher advocated for a new immigration law in 2025 to regulate migrant flows and address gaps in the previous legislation. He disagreed with former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s approach, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive policy framework to manage immigration effectively. Larcher’s call for a revised immigration law reflects broader discussions within the political landscape on how to balance humanitarian concerns with national security and socio-economic interests.
As a member of the Republicans party, Larcher also expressed his backing for Michel Barnier’s government and its budget proposals, despite criticisms from various quarters, including within his own party. While acknowledging the necessity of some tax adjustments, Larcher emphasized the priority should be on controlling public spending to ensure sustainable fiscal policies. He advocated for a balanced approach that combines prudent financial management with targeted revenue measures to navigate France’s economic challenges. Larcher’s support for the government’s budget plan underscores his commitment to promoting fiscal responsibility and long-term economic stability.
Overall, Gérard Larcher’s comments underscore the complexity of France’s current economic and political landscape. His concerns about budget transparency, deficit management, and immigration policy reflect broader debates within the government and society. As President of the Senate, Larcher plays a crucial role in overseeing legislative processes and holding the government accountable for its policy decisions. His calls for a comprehensive review of the budget process and a new immigration law signal a proactive approach to addressing key issues facing the country. By engaging in public discourse and advocating for thoughtful policy solutions, Larcher demonstrates his commitment to promoting effective governance and economic stability in France.
