Hérault Becomes First French Department to Eliminate Cultural Funding

Kléber Mesquida, president of the Hérault departmental council (PS), has announced the complete withdrawal of public funding for cultural initiatives in the department.

With an annual budget of €2 billion, Hérault previously allocated between €5 million and €6 million to non-mandatory cultural spending. By 2025, it will be the only department in France to provide no financial support for culture. The decision was first reported by Libération.