Paris Playbook Live: Gabriel Attal pushes for a United States of Europe

In a comprehensive interview at the POLITICO Playbook Paris summit, Gabriel Attal outlined the key points of his short and medium-term budgetary plan. As a candidate of the Renaissance party, known for providing the most detailed budgetary roadmap among his competitors, Attal believes that 150 billion euros in savings over five years are essential to rebalance the public accounts.

However, he views this figure as just a "baseline" and that "it will likely be necessary to go further." The former Prime Minister pledged to reduce France's public deficit below 3% of GDP before 2032, with a goal of achieving a zero-deficit, or "strict balance," by 2030. Concerning the possibility of a debt crisis, Attal, who met with several economists such as Xavier Jaravel, Natacha Valla, and Olivier Blanchard on Wednesday, announced preparations for a "contingency plan" in case the situation deteriorates very short term.

While not detailing his entire savings plan, he mentioned key areas, including a retirement reform, tightening social expenses and administrative personnel through artificial intelligence. Attal also plans to unveil a "comprehensive overhaul of public organization" and wants to reduce "one layer" in the administrative pyramid. When asked about the 2026 budget law, the former budget minister provided few details, waiting for its presentation by the executive in early October.

However, Attal opposed the idea of a decrease in France's contribution to the European Union budget, stating "it doesn't satisfy me." He was, however, open to the possibility that "eventually" the fines paid by the major digital giants could be redistributed to member states.