Ministry of Economics and Finance (France) facts for kids
The Ministry of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty (French: Ministère de l'Économie, des Finances et de la Souveraineté industrielle et numérique), often called Bercy, is a very important part of the Government of France. The person in charge, called the Minister, is one of the most powerful members of the government after the Prime Minister. This Ministry's name has changed many times over the years, but it always deals with things like the economy, industry, money, and jobs.
The Ministry is currently led by Éric Lombard, who became the Minister on 23 December 2024.
Quick facts for kids Minister of Economics, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty |
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_(cropped).jpg) Éric Lombard since 23 December 2024 |
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| Style | Monsieur le ministre |
| Member of | Council of Ministers |
| Reports to | President of the Republic and to Parliament |
| Seat | Ministry of the Economy and Finance building Bercy, Paris |
| Appointer | President of the Republic |
| Term length | No fixed term
Remains in office while commanding the confidence of the National Assembly and the President of the Republic
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| Constituting instrument | Constitution of 4 October 1958 |
| Precursor | The title of "Minister of Finance" has existed since 1518 in the Ancien Régime |
| Formation | 23 July 1958 |
| First holder | Antoine Pinay |
| Salary | €9,940 per month |
What the Ministry Does
The Minister of Economics and Finance has many important jobs. They help manage France's money and economy.
Here are some of their main tasks:
- Creating Tax Laws: They help write the rules about taxes. This means deciding how much money people and businesses should pay to the government.
- Managing National Money: They look after France's money and its financial system. This includes managing the government's funds.
- Controlling the Economy: They work on developing and regulating the economy. This covers areas like industry, tourism, and helping small businesses. They also make sure there is fair competition and that consumers are safe.
- Employment Policies: They also deal with policies about jobs and career training for people in France.
The Minister also represents France in important European meetings about money and the economy.
Where the Ministry is Located
The Ministry of Economics and Finance is located in a special building in Bercy, which is a part of Paris. This building is very large and sits right next to the Seine River. It even has a special dock for boats to quickly connect with other government offices. You can also get there by using the Paris Métro (subway) at Bercy station.
The whole complex is huge, covering about 5 hectares (which is like 12 football fields!). It has five main buildings. Two of these buildings, called Colbert and Vauban, house the Ministries. The Colbert building is especially famous for its two huge arches, each weighing 8000 tons. That's as heavy as the Eiffel Tower!
This building is unique because it's the only government building in Paris built at a right angle to the Seine River. Part of its foundations are even in the river's water.
People sometimes call the Ministry building "the Bercy Fortress." This nickname comes from its impressive size and strong appearance. It also suggests that the Ministry is a powerful and sometimes mysterious place where important decisions are made.
Before moving to Bercy, the Ministry of Finance was located in the Louvre museum for 110 years. In the 1980s, it was decided to build a new, larger home for the Ministry. This new building would bring together many different offices that were spread out across Paris.
The construction of the Bercy building started in 1984. In 1989, the Ministry's employees moved into their new home. Pierre Bérégovoy was the first finance minister to work in the new building.
Organisation
The Minister of Economics and Finance is helped by other ministers who focus on specific areas. For example, there are ministers for public accounts, industry, and small and medium-sized businesses. These junior ministers help the main Minister manage all the different responsibilities.
See also
In Spanish: Ministerio de Economía, Finanzas e Industria para niños
- List of finance ministers of France
- Superintendent of Finances (1561–1661)
- Controller-General of Finances (1661–1791)
