No 2026 budget shields some taxpayers from planned tax hikes

In the wake of Parliament's unanimous adoption of a special finance law to avert a 2026 budget blockade, several planned tax measures unfavorable to taxpayers cannot take effect next year. This spares affected individuals while costing the government potential revenues. Minister Amélie de Montchalin confirmed the details during her December 22 National Assembly hearing.

France's 2026 budgetary deadlock, addressed by the special finance law extending 2025 provisions (as covered previously), blocks implementation of new tax rules, especially on income tax.

Minister of Public Action and Public Accounts Amélie de Montchalin told the National Assembly's finance committee on December 22: 'The planned modifications will not be able to apply.' Without a finance bill passed by December 31, 'there is no longer any hook possible to apply in 2026 rules relating to 2025 income.' Unfavorable changes cannot be applied retroactively, preserving current taxpayer benefits.

This fiscal gap denies the state additional revenues but offers respite from planned reductions in tax advantages. The special law ensures administrative continuity amid the impasse.

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French Parliament deputies applauding the unanimous passage of a special provisional finance law on December 23, 2025, to prevent a budget crisis.
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Parliament adopts special finance law amid budget impasse

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The French Parliament unanimously adopted a special finance law on December 23, 2025, to prevent a state financial blockade starting January 1, 2026. This provisional text, presented by Sébastien Lecornu's government after failed negotiations on the 2026 budget, temporarily extends 2025 credits. Discussions on a full budget will resume in January amid ongoing uncertainties.

Following Parliament's unanimous adoption of a special finance law on December 23, 2025, to bridge funding amid failed 2026 budget talks, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu insists a compromise remains possible in January. Yet, the measure—echoing last year's—prolongs uncertainty rooted in the June 2024 National Assembly dissolution, with significant fiscal and political costs.

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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.

After a weekend suspension of debates, National Assembly deputies resumed discussions on November 17 on the revenues section of the 2026 finance bill, with over 1,500 amendments to review by November 23. In the evening, they tackle the end-of-management bill adjusting 2025 finances, featuring debates on the VAT revenue shortfall. Meanwhile, the Senate reviews the social security budget and removes the pension reform suspension.

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The French Constitutional Council validated nearly all of the 2026 finance bill on February 19, censoring only eight minor provisions and issuing reservations on two others. This includes approval of the holding tax despite Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's referral, allowing President Emmanuel Macron to promulgate the law after the National Assembly's adoption earlier in February.

As anticipated amid pre-CMP tensions, the joint committee on the 2026 finance bill failed on December 19, prompting Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government to advance a special law for parliament review on Monday evening to avert a state financial shutdown from January 1.

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The National Assembly resumes examination in commission on Thursday of the state budget for 2026, after a failed first reading. Public accounts minister Amélie de Montchalin rules out no method to pass the bill, including Article 49.3. The government aims for a deficit below 5% in 2026.

 

 

 

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