France’s 2026 state budget has been adopted by parliament after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence motions, ending months of political stalemate that had paralysed fiscal decision-making.
The National Assembly rejected a censure motion brought by left-wing parties after it secured 260 votes, short of the 289 required to bring down the minority government. A separate motion filed by the far-right National Rally also failed, gaining only 135 votes.
Because neither motion passed, the budget was automatically adopted under France’s constitution after Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu last week invoked Article 49.3, which allows the government to push legislation through without a parliamentary vote. The bill has now been sent to the Constitutional Council for final review before promulgation.
In a post on X, Lecornu said France “finally” has a budget, stressing that the text is not solely the government’s but the result of a parliamentary compromise incorporating amendments from several political groups.
The 2026 budget seeks to reduce France’s public deficit from 5.4% of gross domestic product in 2025 to 5% in 2026. It includes tax increases on large corporate profits expected to raise more than €7 billion, while forecasting a state deficit of around €132 billion.
Several concessions were introduced during negotiations, notably one-euro meals for students and an increase in the activity bonus for low-income workers.
The budget battle has highlighted deep divisions inside France’s fragmented parliament, a situation that has persisted since President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute majority and snap elections produced a hung legislature.
Appointed prime minister in late 2025, Lecornu inherited a parliament fractured along sharp ideological lines. His government has relied on shifting alliances to pass key legislation, and two of his predecessors lost their jobs during earlier budget crises.
Tensions ran high during Monday’s debate, with Lecornu accusing parts of the opposition of creating “permanent disorder”. The National Rally denounced what it called a “budget of punishment and deprivation” and urged lawmakers to bring down the government.
The pressure has been intensified by economic challenges. Inflation, wage demands and energy costs have fuelled public frustration, leading to regular protests across major cities. Unions have warned of renewed strike action if living standards do not improve.
European partners have been watching closely. France’s approach to spending and debt plays a central role in wider EU fiscal discussions, and prolonged political deadlock in Paris has raised concerns about the bloc’s ability to respond to economic pressures.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of cand...
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials began a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to res...
Kazakhstan is holding a nationwide referendum on a new draft Constitution on Sunday (15 March) that could significantly reshape the country’s...
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-launch of 12 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers on Satu...
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a t...
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials began a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel’s military says it has launched a wide‑scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure in western Iran amid the intensifying U.S.‑Israeli war with Tehran. This live report tracks the latest developments.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued veiled threats to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and Hezbollah on Thursday (12 March), during his first press conference since the conflict with Iran began.
Israel and Iran continued to exchange strikes on Friday (13 March), as the U.S. and French militaries reported deaths in Iraq, and the U.N. launched a $325 million appeal to help Lebanon, where a seventh of the population have left their homes since fighting began.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials began a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-launch of 12 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers on Saturday (14 March), state media KCNA said, after the United States and South Korea this week launched their annual large-scale military drills in South Korea.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment