Thursday, November 5, 2026 - France's National Assembly has rejected the revenue section of the proposed 2027 national budget in a dramatic parliamentary vote, with all 458 votes cast opposing the amended proposal and none supporting it.
The vote took place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, exposing deep divisions over government spending, taxation and plans to reduce the country's growing public deficit. The rejection has placed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government under renewed pressure to secure parliamentary support for its financial plans.
The rejected proposal had undergone major changes during approximately 10 days of parliamentary debate, with lawmakers removing several government measures, including proposed savings affecting pensioners and local authorities, as well as an additional tax on large companies' profits.
Public Accounts Minister David Amiel warned that the amended version could push France's public deficit to 5.9% of gross domestic product, against the government's 5% target for 2027. Following the rejection, the government's original budget proposal will move to the Senate, with discussions expected to begin on November 20.
The setback raises urgent questions about France's ability to control public spending while maintaining economic stability. The government is targeting approximately €43 billion in savings as it seeks to reduce the deficit from an expected 5.4% of GDP in 2026.
Negotiations between the two parliamentary chambers are expected to determine the next steps, with a possible compromise targeted for December. As economic pressures continue, the coming weeks will be crucial for Lecornu's administration as it attempts to secure a workable budget before the end of the year.
