French deputies overwhelmingly approved the principle of a 6.7 billion euro increase in military spending for 2026 in a symbolic vote initiated by the government. The tally was 411 in favor against 88, aimed at facilitating the state budget's passage. Several opposition parties criticize this as instrumentalization.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the French National Assembly approved by symbolic vote the principle of a 6.7 billion euro increase in army credits for 2026. The ballot garnered 411 votes in favor, 88 against, and 22 abstentions. The government camp, RN-UDR alliance, PS, and Liot independents voted yes. LFI and communist groups voted no, while ecologists mostly abstained.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu urged deputies to «approve the principle of a defense budget increase» to support a «faster buildup of our armed forces from 2026». This debate, parallel to budget discussions, aims to forge consensus for passing the 2026 finance bill, currently under Senate review.
Marine Le Pen, Rassemblement national leader, accused Lecornu of «instrumentalizing defense» to push a «budget of social and fiscal punishment», while endorsing the military spending rise. PS deputy leader Boris Vallaud voiced skepticism on a broader deal, stating «I don't see the path».
This vote follows the narrow adoption of the social security budget the previous day, maintaining a target public deficit below 5% of GDP in 2026. The government hopes for compromise in a joint parliamentary committee, or else a special law in January.
