France's total budgetary expenditure in 2023 was nearly 785 billion euros. The first item of expenditure was Refunds and rebates, with more than 128 billion of investment. Advances to local authorities was the second sector of public investment with more than 124 billion euros.
The COVID-19 recovery plan
Following the economic crisis linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in France, the French government has opened a budget of 36 billion euros for 2021. This recovery plan is intended for individuals, companies, local authorities and administrations and is based on three themes: the economic, social and ecological reconstruction of the country. Added to this budget is the emergency plan for the health crisis with aid to businesses.
This vast plan, initiated at the very beginning of the crisis, has made it possible to limit the increase in unemployment in France thanks to partial unemployment and the companies closures through subsidies and state loans at zero interest.
The economic model in the face of debt
Although the economy is rapidly liberalizing in France, its economic system is still based on the principle of the welfare state, which intervenes regularly in the country's economy and finances to ensure that social services are developed for the well-being of its citizens.
But this model is very expensive, the country keeps having a rather high debt level. In 2023, the public debt in France reached 110 percent of the GDP.
Distribution of the public budget in France in 2023, by spending area
(in billion euros)
Characteristic
Public expenditure in billion euros
Refunds and rebates
128.3
Advances to local authorities
124.8
School education
82.5
Pensions
64.4
Defense
62
Financial commitments of the State
53.4
Research and higher education
31.2
Solidarity, Integration and Equal Opportunities
29.8
Ecology, sustainable development and mobility
28.5
Security
24.2
Labour and employment
20.3
Territorial cohesion
17.9
State financial contributions
17.1
Justice
12.5
Public finance management
10.9
Advances to various government departments or organizations managing public services
10.5
Public Development Aid
8
Social and pension schemes
6.1
General and territorial administration of the State
4.9
Relations with local authorities
4.3
Agriculture, food, forestry and rural affairs
3.9
Advances to public broadcasting
3.8
Culture
3.7
Economy
3.5
Health
3.4
External action of the State
3.2
Overseas
2.7
Immigration, asylum and integration
2.7
Air traffic control and operations
2.1
Veterans, memory and links with the Nation
1.9
Traffic and parking control
1.6
Sport, youth and associations
1.5
Loans to foreign states
1.2
Public authorities
1.1
Advice and control of the State
0.9
Government Action Directorate
0.9
Transformation and public service
0.8
Media, books and cultural industries
0.7
Management of the State's real estate assets
0.5
Financing of aid to communities for rural electrification
0.4
Investments for the future
0.3
Loans and advances to individuals and private organizations
0.3
Official publications and administrative information
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Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances. (November 20, 2023). Distribution of the public budget in France in 2023, by spending area (in billion euros) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved October 09, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/467398/public-budget-breakdown-france/
Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances. "Distribution of the public budget in France in 2023, by spending area (in billion euros)." Chart. November 20, 2023. Statista. Accessed October 09, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/467398/public-budget-breakdown-france/
Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances. (2023). Distribution of the public budget in France in 2023, by spending area (in billion euros). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: October 09, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/467398/public-budget-breakdown-france/
Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances. "Distribution of The Public Budget in France in 2023, by Spending Area (in Billion Euros)." Statista, Statista Inc., 20 Nov 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/467398/public-budget-breakdown-france/
Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances, Distribution of the public budget in France in 2023, by spending area (in billion euros) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/467398/public-budget-breakdown-france/ (last visited October 09, 2024)
Distribution of the public budget in France in 2023, by spending area (in billion euros) [Graph], Ministère de l’Économie et des Finances, November 20, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/467398/public-budget-breakdown-france/