US EditionFrench senators approve 2026 budget bill ministers say will worsen fiscal deficit
The Senate's budget increases the deficit to 5.3%, above the government's 5% target, prompting urgent talks to reach a compromise before final approval.
- French senators approved a 2026 budget bill that the government claims will worsen the fiscal deficit beyond initial plans, following a 187 to 109 vote in favor.
- The Senate's revised budget includes a projected deficit of 5.3%, as Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated, urging for a lower compromise.
- A joint committee of lawmakers will meet on Friday to negotiate a new version of the budget ahead of a vote in the National Assembly on December 23.
- If no agreement is reached, the government may introduce emergency legislation to manage public spending temporarily in the new year.
25 Articles
25 Articles
French senators approve 2026 budget bill ministers say will worsen fiscal deficit
French senators approved a 2026 budget bill on Monday that the government said would worsen the fiscal deficit by more than it had planned, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations between both houses of parliament at the end of the week.
In France, the government has taken a step closer to adopting a budget for the coming year.
From income taxes to taxes measured on the richest businesses and households, to spending cuts, here are the main measures in the draft state budget for 2026, adopted this Monday, December 15 in the Senate. This copy will form the basis of the discussion of the Joint Joint Committee (JC) which is scheduled to convene seven members and seven senators on Friday to find a compromise.
The draft state budget for 2026 was adopted by the Senate on Monday, 15 December, at first reading, in a revised version. It will now be submitted to the parliamentarians of both chambers, who are to meet Friday, 19 December, in a joint committee to try to reach an agreement.
The Senate adopted, on Monday, December 15, a revised version of the finance bill. The right-wing and centre majority, among other things, preferred spending cuts to tax increases. MPs and senators will try to reach an agreement in the Joint Joint Committee on Friday, December 19. The task will be difficult.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
