A poll reveals that 52% of French people anticipate the failure of the 2026 finance bill and want a censure motion against the Lecornu government. The finance commission rejected the first part of the budget, and debates in the National Assembly begin this Friday without using article 49.3. Oppositions, like the RN and socialists, threaten to block the bill with their counter-proposals.
Late on the night of October 22-23, 2025, the National Assembly's finance commission rejected the first part of the 2026 finance bill (PLF) after three days of discussions and amendments. Debates in the hemicycle are set to begin on October 24, based on the government text, without Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu using article 49.3, as announced on October 3.
A poll by Odoxa-Backbone Consulting for Le Figaro, published on October 23, shows that 52% of French people believe the PLF will not be voted by deputies. Additionally, 52% want approval of a censure motion if filed, which could lead to the government's fall.
The Rassemblement National (RN) presented its counter-budget on October 23, aiming for 36 billion euros in additional savings compared to the government, with over a third on immigration. It plans to cut public spending by 50 billion euros, increase revenues by 31 billion, and fund 45 billion in tax cuts, ignoring constitutional and European constraints.
On the socialist side, leader Boris Vallaud threatened, in a Parisien interview on October 23, to censure the government if no 'fiscal justice' measures are adopted, such as the Zucman tax on the ultrarich or reinstatement of ISF on billionaires. The PS group has reserved the right to sanction at any time, after rejecting the revenue part in commission. Philippe Brun, PS budget lead, gave macronists 48 hours for concessions.
Majority groups (Renaissance, Horizons, MoDem) defend their positions after concessions, including the suspension of the retirement reform announced on October 15 and integrated into the PLFSS for a freeze until 2028. Meanwhile, a Cour des comptes report, whose summary was consulted on October 23, criticizes the 'pacte Dutreil' tax niche as inefficient and costly, recommending adjustments to limit optimizations and reduce spending, as the deficit targets 4.7% of GDP.
