Inspired by the American model established by Donald Trump, the idea of a Ministry of Government Efficiency divides French opinion. According to a study conducted by the CSA institute for the JDD, Europe 1 and CNews, 48% of French people approve of this initiative, while 51% are opposed to it. This project, supported in France by Éric Ciotti and his party the UDR, aims to rationalize public spending and simplify bureaucracy.
The survey reveals marked divisions according to socio-professional categories and gender: 55% of men say they are in favour, compared to only 43% of women. Similarly, CSP+ largely reject the idea (52% opposed), while modest socio-professional categories see it as an opportunity at 51%. Politically, the divide is even clearer: 63% of left-wing sympathisers oppose the project, compared to 70% of National Rally voters who support it.
In the United States, Donald Trump has entrusted this unprecedented portfolio to Elon Musk, with the goal of reducing the federal budget by 30% by 2026. The billionaire did not hesitate to promise $2 trillion in savings, calling bureaucracy a "financial sinkhole." This entrepreneurial pragmatism inspires Éric Ciotti, who proposes a Department of Government Efficiency under the direct authority of the Prime Minister, to "rationalize public spending" and apply private sector methods.
While this project has generated enthusiasm among some, it has raised fears about a challenge to the welfare state. For its opponents, the risk is to aggravate inequalities and undermine public services. However, in a context of budgetary crisis, the idea of a more agile and economical state appeals to part of the public, making this proposal a major political issue in the future.
