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'.
The review of the 2026 budget at the National Assembly took an unexpected turn on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the early evening. After three days of debates on the revenue section, where macronists, aided by the right-wing LR and RN, had so far contained the left's 'fiscal overbidding,' a surprise amendment was adopted.
Proposed by Éric Coquerel, president of the finance commission and LFI deputy, this amendment aims to tax multinationals proportionally to their real activity in France. The goal is to 'fight against tax optimization' by recalculating their profit pro rata of their turnover realized in France, in the words of the LFI deputy. The measure, estimated at 26 billion euros, was approved with 207 votes in favor and only 89 against, thanks to the support of the entire left and Rassemblement National.
On the macronist benches, disbelief was evident. 'We have just asphyxiated the economy,' they lamented, incredulous at this unexpected alliance. Economy Minister Roland Lescure described the adoption as 'a middle finger to 125 countries,' highlighting the risks to France's economic attractiveness. This decision in first reading represents a blow to the government amid already stormy budget debates.
The implications could be significant, affecting international companies and bilateral tax relations, although the text must still go through other parliamentary stages.