Abstract

The bases for a new frame of reference for budget policy and public spending were established in France by the Loi organique des lois de finances (Lolf), created in August 2001. This law, even though it formed part of a system of budgetary and fiscal regulations dating back until 1959, contained very innovative proposals. Its year of implementation, 2006, was crucial. The first budget under Lolf regulations was structured in missions, programmes and actions. The most important step of the programme was the annual performance projects (Pap). The appraisal of the results was contained in the annual performance review (Rap). The Lolf was created by the budget office, the other heads of the finance ministry, the inter-ministerial committee for the inspection of projects (Ciap), the heads of planning and budgets operational de programme (Bop), the directors of financial affairs (Daf), the Agency for fiscal studies of the State (Aife), and the Court of Auditors. The tendency to change direction where socioeconomic planning is concerned was mapped out through the general revision of public policies (Rgpp).