The Paris Opera's recent financial success, marking its first significant profit since 2017, has prompted the French Ministry of Culture to announce a reduction of six million euros in its budget, according to a report by radiofrance.

This decision follows the cancellation of over 200 million euros in credits allocated to the Ministry of Culture, leading to widespread budget cuts affecting major cultural institutions nationwide.

In a similar vein, the budgets of other esteemed cultural entities are also facing cuts: the Comédie-Française will see a reduction of five million euros, the Théâtre national de Chaillot's budget will decrease by €500,000, and the Louvre Museum will experience a three million euro cut in subsidies.

After experiencing consecutive budget increases, the Paris Opera received a state subsidy of €99.8 million in 2023, ending the fiscal year with a notable net profit of €2.3 million, as reported by Diapason magazine. The opera house recently unveiled its upcoming 2024/25 season.

To cope with the credit cancellation, the French Ministry plans to save a total of €204.3 million, with French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati announcing the utilization of the ministry's precautionary reserves.

Critics, including music audiences across France, have voiced concerns over the reduction in arts subsidies, fearing that opera may only thrive in major cities like Paris if public funding continues to dwindle.

In a joint declaration, music organizations described the budget cuts as unprecedented, posing a threat to the entire cultural ecosystem already strained by the aftermath of the health crisis, inflation, and energy-related challenges, as noted by Diapason.

Despite the cuts, the French Ministry of Culture asserts that funding has steadily increased, prioritizing initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape across all regions, with a substantial rise in funding to support creative industries and artists.

Paris Opera's director, Alexander Neef, acknowledges the tightening budgetary situation, expressing gratitude for the institution's financial stability, driven by increased revenues, patronage, and visits to the Palais Garnier. He also appreciates the slight uptick in the opera's operating subsidy from the State, the first such increase in 15 years.