Versioned fiscal methodology register: no changing the rules mid-game
Fiscal discipline requires a public technical memory, not merely political targets.
Why version methods
Structural indicators legitimately evolve with statistics and economic knowledge. What must be prevented is discretionary methodological change designed to manufacture compliance.
Version every change
Each version would publish the effective date, formula, parameters, sources, back-cast series and quantified historical impact.
Annual freeze
The method applying to budget year N would be frozen before filing. Later revisions could govern future years but not erase an already recorded breach.
Auditability
The fiscal council, Audit Court, Parliament, researchers and citizens should be able to reproduce the published calculation where data are legally public.
Working documents and data
Legal and institutional sources
French Constitution, Article 34
French fiscal council — official missions
Organic Budget Act, Article 61