French Regions Protest Against Over 56% Cut in Budget for Unemployed Training

French regions are in a sharp dispute with the national government after a drastic reduction in state subsidies for training job seekers. According to information provided by the Association of French Regions, the budget allocated for this purpose is to be cut by over 56 percent compared to the previous year. In practice, this means a drop in funding from an amount exceeding 950 million euros in 2025 to a level below 420 million euros. This decision has provoked a fierce reaction from regional authorities, who described its effects as "very serious" and "catastrophic." They warn that such cuts will paralyze regional vocational activation programs at a time when unemployment rates in France are again showing an upward trend. Regional authorities in France play a key role in training and vocational education policy since the 2015 decentralization reform, which transferred to them responsibility for training youth and adult job seekers. They carry out this task, among other ways, through Regional Councils for Employment, Training, and Vocational Guidance. The President of the Association of French Regions, Carole Delga, sharply criticized the government's move. The statement that best captures the scale of the conflict reads: „C'est une décision gravissime aux conséquences catastrophiques pour nos territoires. On parle d'une baisse de 56% par rapport à 2025, alors que le chômage repart à la hausse.” (This is an extremely serious decision with catastrophic consequences for our territories. We're talking about a 56% drop compared to 2025, while unemployment is rising again.) — President of the Association of French Regions, who sharply criticized the government's decision on budget cuts. The regions emphasize that the proposed amount is completely insufficient to conduct effective training policy at the local level, which responds to the needs of the labor market and entrepreneurs. They argue that reducing funding will directly hit those most in need of support in returning to the labor market, deepening social and economic problems in individual departments. This dispute fits into the broader context of tensions between central power and regions regarding the division of competencies and financial resources. The government's decision has met with immediate and unanimous disapproval from all regions, regardless of their political colors. Faced with rising unemployment, which after a period of decline is again becoming a challenge for the French economy, cuts in such a crucial area of social policy raise particular concern. The regions announce further actions, including possible pressure on parliamentarians to correct this budgetary plan before it is finally adopted.