Loi de Finances de 1965: A Turning Point in French Budgetary Practices
The Loi de Finances de 1965, often referred to as the organic law on budget laws, represents a pivotal moment in the history of French public finance. Enacted on January 6, 1965, this law profoundly reshaped the budgetary process, moving it away from a purely accounting-focused approach towards a more programmatic and results-oriented system.
Prior to 1965, the French budget was largely presented and managed in a fragmented and incremental manner. Each ministry operated relatively independently, focusing on justifying expenditures item by item, with little overall coordination or strategic planning. The budget was essentially an aggregation of these individual ministry requests, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of public spending and to prioritize government policies.
The 1965 law aimed to address these shortcomings by introducing several key innovations. One of the most significant was the concept of “programmes,” which replaced the traditional line-item budgeting with a focus on specific objectives and outcomes. Each programme was defined by a clear set of goals and indicators, allowing for better monitoring and evaluation of performance. This shift encouraged ministries to think strategically about how their spending contributed to achieving broader government objectives.
Another important element of the 1965 law was the strengthening of parliamentary oversight of the budget. It clarified the role of the Parliament in scrutinizing and amending the government’s budget proposals. Specifically, it established stricter timelines for the budgetary process and enhanced the information available to parliamentarians, enabling them to make more informed decisions. This was intended to ensure greater democratic accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
The Loi de Finances de 1965 also introduced the concept of “responsabilité budgétaire” (budgetary responsibility), which aimed to hold managers accountable for the efficient and effective use of public resources. This involved delegating more authority to ministry officials while also requiring them to demonstrate the results of their spending. The law thus promoted a culture of performance management within the public sector.
Despite its significant contributions, the 1965 law faced challenges in its implementation. The shift from a line-item to a program-based budgeting system required significant adjustments within government ministries, and the necessary expertise and tools were not always readily available. Moreover, the focus on objectives and outcomes was not always consistently applied across all government programs.
Over time, the principles established by the Loi de Finances de 1965 have been further refined and strengthened. The subsequent organic law on budget laws, the LOLF (Loi organique relative aux lois de finances) of 2001, built upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, introducing even more sophisticated mechanisms for performance measurement, parliamentary control, and budgetary transparency. The Loi de Finances de 1965 remains a cornerstone of modern French budgetary practice, a testament to its enduring legacy in promoting a more efficient, effective, and accountable public sector.