Jean Martin

Jean Martin reports on French news with local expertise.
Photo illustrating the uncertain adoption of the 2026 budget in the French National Assembly, showing lawmakers in tense debates over a patchwork finance bill.

Adoption of 2026 budget in National Assembly increasingly uncertain

Jean Martin Image generated by AI

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.

Paris FC and Lyon draw in spectacular 3-3 match

Jean Martin

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.

Louvre burglary: two suspects indicted, jewels missing

Jean Martin

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.

In assembly, left and RN adopt 26 billion tax on multinationals

In a tense atmosphere at the National Assembly, the left and Rassemblement National adopted an amendment heavily taxing multinationals to combat tax evasion. The measure, proposed by Éric Coquerel, passed with 207 votes in favor and 89 against. The Economy Minister denounces it as 'a middle finger to 125 countries'.

French National Assembly deputies voting on multinational tax amendment amid government opposition, symbolizing fiscal policy debate.

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.

New Caledonia: parliament approves postponement of provincial elections

Jean Martin

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.

Deputies double GAFAM tax for 2026 budget

Jean Martin

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.

Humorist Marie s’infiltre leaves France Inter morning show

Humorist Marie s’infiltre will not return to France Inter's morning show after the Toussaint holidays. Her two-and-a-half-month stint drew listener criticism and failed to convince the station. The management says she will now focus on her tour.

 

 

 

This website uses cookies

We use cookies for analytics to improve our site. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Decline