As anticipated amid pre-CMP tensions, the joint committee on the 2026 finance bill failed on December 19, prompting Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government to advance a special law for parliament review on Monday evening to avert a state financial shutdown from January 1.
The joint parliamentary committee (CMP), held December 19 at the National Assembly, confirmed the deadlock between deputies and senators over the 2026 finance bill (PLF), with the right-led Senate prioritizing cuts and the Assembly's left seeking revenue increases—echoing tensions reported ahead of the session.
Prime Minister Lecornu announced the failure on X, criticizing some parliamentarians' 'lack of will,' and directed Matignon's services to prepare a draft special law via the Council of State. This technical measure, mirroring the 2024 end-of-year process post-Barnier government fall, extends 2025 credits for public services, taxes, and borrowing. The timeline includes a swift Council of State opinion, an exceptional cabinet meeting Monday evening, accelerated parliamentary debate, and promulgation.
Opposition reactions intensified: Senate figures Mathieu Darnaud (LR) and Hervé Marseille (UDI) accused the government of orchestrating the impasse by favoring left negotiations; PS leader Olivier Faure blamed Senate right intransigence; LR rapporteur Jean-François Husson criticized government inaction on consensus.
Banque de France Governor François Villeroy de Galhau cautioned on France Inter of a deficit exceeding 5% GDP without reforms, while government spokesperson Maud Bregeon called for focus beyond 2027 election politics.
Lecornu plans consultations with leaders from Monday, eyeing January budget talks resumption.
