Reincarnated: Vive La France
Chapter 233: Annual Budget - I

Chapter 233: Annual Budget - I

1 April, 1937.

The Palais Bourbon.

It was the first time since the reconstitution of the provisional government that the ministers were gathered not to deliver justice or manage an emergency but to build something that would last.

Moreau sat at the head of the newly polished conference table, his coat simple, buttons undone.

Before each minister lay an unmarked leather folder and a single sheet of parchment headed.

"Emergency Budget Deliberation: Republic Restoration, April 1937."

President Lebrun, still the nominal head of the Republic, stood quietly at Moreau’s side like a solemn witness to the birth of a second state.

Moreau tapped a finger to the table.

The room stilled.

"Messieurs," he began, his voice low, deliberate, "we are not soldiers today. Nor prosecutors. We are builders. We cannot command prosperity, only plan for it. We have a notional envelope of one hundred billion francs. That’s the entire capacity of our republic for the coming fiscal year."

He paused and looked around the room Zay, Reynaud, Auriol, Mandel, Déat, Muselier, Vuillemin, Mendès France, Gamelin, Beauchamp, Delon.

"This is your moment," Moreau continued. "Come forward with your priorities. Argue for your ministries. Prove not only that your proposals are needed but that they serve France, not vanity."

He pushed back slightly from the table. "The budget we will finalize after this week’s deliberations. Today is your hour to speak. Let France hear her future."

He nodded to Paul Reynaud, Finance Minister, who stood slowly and adjusted his spectacles.

"Gentlemen," Reynaud began, "We can argue ideals, but I will begin with limits. France’s treasury has been bled. Industrial output sits at fifty-seven percent of 1934 capacity. The Banque de France can absorb only a ₣30 billion bond issue this year without risking hyperinflation. We must tax, borrow, and stabilize. But we cannot promise miracles."

He paused. "Still, within those constraints we can spark a new machine."

Jean Zay, Minister of Education and Culture, spoke next. "Schools in Tours, Limoges, Dijon many haven’t opened since January. The children are idle. I ask ₣3 billion to reopen primary and vocational education. I propose national civic education alongside the regular curriculum. France must not just learn to read it must learn to be French again."

Moreau nodded, but said nothing yet.

Next came Georges Mandel, Minister of the Interior. "Public order must be visible. The police are fractured, and the prefect system is riddled with old loyalties. I request ₣1.5 billion to reform our domestic security re-certify officers, retrain under republican law. Without trusted law, our programs will fall."

He added, "I also request an additional ₣500 million to secure the archives and government buildings some ministries still rely on volunteers for security."

Vincent Auriol rose from his seat slowly.

"Justice," he said simply. "We need funds for the Tribunal the public expects visible, accessible process. I propose ₣1.2 billion to fund regional tribunals. These courts must not feel distant. Let people watch their Republic work. Add ₣300 million for transcripts and public broadcast infrastructure."

Marcel Déat stood and placed his fingers atop his notes.

"Labor is peace," he said. "I request ₣2 billion to fund liaison bureaus to manage food, wages, and housing for unionized and non-unionized workers alike. I propose a Worker’s Registry every citizen matched with a reconstruction role. Give me ₣1 billion more, and I can keep 200,000 men out of chaos and into paid labor by July."

Pierre Mendès France lifted his head next.

"The soil of France cannot wait. If our farmers don’t plant this month, France eats less next winter. I need ₣3.5 billion immediately to mechanize, fund rural transport, and stabilize food prices. Add ₣1.5 billion for credit banks, and our countryside may become our savior."

Muselier, the naval commander turned Minister of Maritime Integration, cleared his throat. "Gentlemen, our ports are rotting. Le Havre and Marseille must be dredged. I request ₣2.5 billion to restore freight, mail, and colonial trade. Every crate that flows to Bordeaux or Lyon buys us a month of food security."

Gamelin, now recalled to organize the national defense posture, stood with formality. "I do not ask for battalions. I ask for dignity. I request ₣3 billion to establish Engineering Corps for national labor and civil works. Reuse the uniforms, the barracks, the rails. Let our soldiers dig roads, not trenches."

Vuillemin followed without being asked. "The Air Force will not flaunt power. I request ₣2.5 billion to maintain airfields, train technicians, and secure reconnaissance over hostile borders. All in dual-use format. Let every airstrip serve post and defense."

Then Beauchamp spoke.

"We should carve ₣1 billion for propaganda and national cohesion radio, posters, and exhibits. Let the people see the Republic, not just pay for it."

Delon, sitting quietly all morning, finally spoke.

"I propose a ceiling," he said. "No ministry should exceed 20% of the total budget. That keeps us balanced."

Moreau nodded. "Proposal accepted for now. We’ll adjust if justified."

Lebrun rose briefly and walked to the center of the chamber.

"I have no ministry," he said, "but I speak for those who no longer have one. The veterans, the widows, the infirm. I ask you to remember them. Set aside ₣2.5 billion. Give them the dignity they gave you when they fought for this Republic."

Silence followed.

Then Moreau rose again.

"You’ve each made your case," he said. "Tomorrow, we begin the numbers. Today, we mark our intent. These walls once full with surrender and delay. No more."

He turned to Zay. "You will draft a proposed school expansion schedule."

To Mendès France. "Map food routes with Muselier and Vuillemin."

To Auriol. "Your tribunal locations are to be published by next session."

To Mandel. "Bring loyalty oaths for the new prefecture."

To Reynaud. "Begin bond models. Work with Banque de France."

Then Moreau looked at the group.

"You have two days. Bring forward your detailed requests in writing justified in data, backed by plan, and written for history."

He paused, then smiled faintly.

"We do not govern France as it was. We rebuild the France we need."