France's 2026 budget remains inapplicable due to multiple referrals to the Constitutional Council, including by the government itself. This unprecedented move since 1977 suspends its implementation until a decision expected by February 20. Several opposition parties have also challenged fiscal and social measures in the text adopted on February 2.
Adopted on February 2, 2026, after months of intense debates, the 2026 budget was meant to end a tumultuous parliamentary saga. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had rejoiced early in February, stating: « France finally has a budget », after four months of uncertainties. Yet, the text remains inapplicable for now.
On February 4, the government referred the matter to the Constitutional Council in a rare move, unprecedented since 1977, to examine the conformity of three fiscal measures wrested by the left: a new 20% tax on patrimonial holdings of at least 5 million euros (limited to sumptuous assets like yachts or racehorses), a tightening of the Dutreil pact on family business transmissions, and a hardening of the apport-cession scheme. This referral aims to legally secure the budget and prevent disputes, according to Matignon on X: « Referring to the Constitutional Council is assuming the State's responsibility: securing the budget legally, preventing litigation, and ensuring fair tax payment ».
The opposition is not idle. The Rassemblement National (RN) and La France Insoumise (LFI) have referred the Council, criticizing an incomplete presentation of budgetary balances, notably the underestimation of costs for the activity bonus revaluation, and the suppression of housing aids (APL) for non-EU students, deemed discriminatory by LFI. On Friday, February 6, the Socialists, led by Boris Vallaud, in turn referred the Council against measures like a possible « national preference ». Deputy Philippe Brun qualified: « That doesn't mean we are satisfied with this budget [...] We are in the opposition, that's clear ».
Awaiting the Sages' verdict by February 20, the State operates under the provisional « special law » regime, ensuring continuity of public services. Initially sketched in July 2025 by François Bayrou with 40 billion euros in savings and a « white year » for social benefits, the final budget has abandoned many divisive measures, such as the Zucman tax or the removal of the retirement tax abatement. It extends the differential contribution on high incomes and revalues income tax by 0.9% according to inflation, but uncertainty weighs on budgetary credibility amid high debt.
