French Government Reduces Culture Pass Funding by Half Amid Debt Concerns
France has implemented a 50% reduction in its Culture Pass, a program launched nationwide in 2021 for youth aged fifteen to eighteen to engage in cultural pursuits. The pass, originally part of President Emmanuel Macron's 2017 manifesto, allows spending on items like cinema tickets, museum admissions, books, art supplies, dance classes, musical instruments, and online subscriptions. Legislation signed by Prime Minister François Bayrou and Culture Minister Rachida Dati cuts the allowance for eighteen-year-olds from €300 to €150, while eliminating the €20 for fifteen-year-olds and €30 for sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds. Exceptions include a €50 allocation for seventeen-year-olds and an additional €50 for eighteen-year-olds with disabilities or from lower-income backgrounds. This decision follows efforts to address national debt, which reached €3.2 trillion, or 112% of GDP, in September 2023. Registered eighteen-year-olds have a two-year window to utilize their pass via the app.
Key facts
- The French Culture Pass has been cut by 50% four years after its nationwide launch.
- The pass is for young people aged fifteen to eighteen to support cultural activities.
- Legislation was signed by Prime Minister François Bayrou and Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
- The allowance for eighteen-year-olds is reduced from €300 to €150.
- Allowances for fifteen-year-olds (€20) and sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds (€30) are eliminated.
- A €50 allocation remains for seventeen-year-olds and an extra €50 for eighteen-year-olds with disabilities or lower-income backgrounds.
- The cut is linked to efforts to reduce national debt, which peaked at €3.2 trillion in September 2023.
- The pass can be used for cinema, museum, and theatre tickets, books, art materials, dance courses, instruments, or online subscriptions.
Entities
Institutions
- French Government
Locations
- France