Paris – The French Parliament has failed to approve the 2026 budget, plunging the government into a potential crisis and forcing it to consider emergency measures. The Joint Committee, comprised of members from both the National Assembly and the Senate, could not reach a consensus on a unified text for the budget, leaving Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s administration facing a significant challenge.
The inability to pass the budget necessitates the potential implementation of a special law to ensure the continued functioning of the state starting January 1st. This temporary measure would allow the government to operate until a formal budget can be approved later in the month.
Sources indicate that after two months of intense debate, the seven-member Joint Committee failed to reconcile their differences. The National Assembly rejected the first part of the bill concerning revenues, while the Senate adopted the government’s text but with substantial amendments. This deadlock has created a legislative impasse, requiring the government to seek alternative solutions.
Faced with this predicament, the government has announced its intention to enact an exceptional law that will permit the collection of taxes and guarantee the continuity of essential state services. Discussions on the budget are expected to resume early next year, with both houses of parliament scheduled to debate the emergency measure at the beginning of next week.
Prime Minister Lecornu has stated that he will convene consultations with key political leaders starting Monday, aiming to safeguard the interests of the French people and create conditions for a definitive resolution to the financial crisis. The coming days will be crucial as the government seeks to navigate this complex political and economic situation. The failure to pass the budget raises concerns about potential economic instability and the government’s ability to implement its policy agenda.
