Ministry of Economics and Finance (France)
The Ministry of Economics and Finance (France) (French: Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle et numérique, commonly referred to as Bercy because of its location) is a ministerial department of the French government responsible for economic policy, finance, industry, and digital sovereignty. It plays a central role in shaping France's fiscal policy, managing the national budget, and overseeing the country's economic and industrial development.
The Ministry's responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including:
- National Budget: Preparation, execution, and oversight of the French government's budget.
- Taxation: Development and administration of tax policy.
- Economic Policy: Formulation and implementation of policies aimed at promoting economic growth, stability, and competitiveness.
- Financial Regulation: Oversight of the financial sector, including banks, insurance companies, and securities markets.
- Industry: Support for French industry, including promoting innovation and competitiveness.
- Digital Sovereignty: Promoting the development and control of digital technologies and data within France.
- Public Debt Management: Managing France's national debt.
- State Holdings: Supervising the state's ownership stake in various companies.
- Trade Policy: Representing France in international trade negotiations.
The head of the Ministry is the Minister of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty (French: Ministre de l'Économie, des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle et numérique), a key member of the French cabinet. The Ministry is located in the Bercy district of Paris, in a large complex that also houses other government offices. It employs a substantial number of civil servants and economists who contribute to the formulation and implementation of economic and financial policy. The ministry's influence extends across various sectors of the French economy and plays a significant role in shaping the nation's economic future.