Jean Martin
Adoption of 2026 budget in National Assembly increasingly uncertain
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After several days of intense debates in the National Assembly, the 2026 finance bill increasingly resembles a 'Frankenstein' budget, a patchwork of contradictory amendments complicating its final adoption. The executive, avoiding Article 49.3, faces strong opposition on measures like the surtax on multinationals and limits on sick leave. Lawmakers from all sides have adopted or suppressed key provisions, raising the risk of overall rejection.
New Caledonia: parliament approves postponement of provincial elections
The French Parliament has approved the postponement of provincial elections in New Caledonia, originally set for November, to June 28, 2026 at the latest. This decision, passed by the National Assembly on October 28 and the Senate on October 29, represents a first step toward resuming debates on a sensitive institutional reform. It comes amid the May 2024 violence and the fragile Bougival agreement, rejected by independentists.
France integrates non-consent into rape definition
The French Parliament adopted a major amendment to the penal code on October 29, 2025, integrating non-consent into the definitions of rape and sexual assaults. This transpartisan achievement defines consent as free, informed, specific, prior, and revocable. It aims to clarify criminal law following intense debates and initial hesitations.
Louvre burglary: two suspects indicted, jewels missing
Ten days after the spectacular burglary in the Louvre's Apollon gallery, two suspects have partially admitted the facts during their indictment for organized gang theft. The eight stolen jewels, valued at an estimated 88 million euros, remain untraceable despite an investigation involving a hundred investigators. Meanwhile, Paris's police prefect highlights infractions in the museum's surveillance cameras.
Hurricane Melissa could bring mild weather to France
October 29, 2025 20:56Paris 2026 municipal elections show scattered start and possible rightward shift
October 29, 2025 19:56Ségolène Royal publishes book and eyes left primary for 2027
October 29, 2025 17:04Senate adopts insufficient bill against high living costs in overseas territories
October 28, 2025 11:50Deputies adopt several amendments to PLFSS 2026 in commission
October 28, 2025 09:41Humorist Marie s’infiltre leaves France Inter morning show
October 28, 2025 08:49Government rejects socialists' Zucman tax proposal
October 28, 2025 03:24Bordeaux defends suspension of twinning with Ashdod
Assembly adopts multinational tax against government wishes
Jean Martin Image generated by AI
During the 2026 budget review, French National Assembly deputies adopted an LFI amendment Tuesday evening to tax profits actually realized by multinationals in France, estimated at 26 billion euros by supporters. Backed by a left-RN alliance, it follows the doubling of the GAFA tax from 3% to 6%, despite strong government opposition decrying fiscal overbidding. These votes could yield over 20 billion euros for the state but may be overturned in the Senate.
Deputies double GAFAM tax for 2026 budget
French National Assembly deputies voted on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to double the GAFAM tax rate from 3% to 6%, targeting big tech companies. Despite government opposition fearing retaliation from the Trump administration, a compromise was adopted following an initial more ambitious proposal. Left-wing lawmakers denounce it as a retreat under American pressure.
Government opposes Zucman tax on high patrimonies
The French government has firmly restated its opposition to the Zucman tax targeting high patrimonies, including the version proposed by the Socialist Party if it affects professional patrimony. This stance signals the start of a showdown with the socialists over the 2026 budget and taxation, expected by the end of the week.
French labor minister questions desire to quit work early
Jean-Pierre Farandou, the new labor minister, questioned on Tuesday before the Senate's social affairs committee why so many French people want to leave their jobs around 60-62 years old. He announced the launch by late November of a conference on work and pensions, involving unions and employers, to discuss these issues. This initiative follows the suspension of the 2023 pension reform.
Paris FC and Lyon draw in spectacular 3-3 match
Paris FC and Olympique Lyonnais delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw at Stade Jean-Bouin on Wednesday evening. Trailing 3-0, Lyon saw Paris FC pull back after two red cards, eventually equalizing in the final minutes. This result keeps both teams in contention in the Ligue 1 standings.