Lecornu urges Parliament emphatically to give France a budget in autumn 2026

Paris – 03.07.2026: Sébastien Lecornu on July 2 urged parliamentarians to give the state a budget for the coming year already this autumn. The prime minister warned of serious consequences if the national 2027 budget is not adopted on time and called a failure to pass the budget a serious mistake for public finances.

In his public remarks, Lecornu referred to the recent debate over budget targets and the development of public deficits. He recalled that the government is aiming for a deficit target of around five percent of GDP for 2026 and that delays could increase the risk of substantial deviations for 2027. Concrete estimates he cited in earlier statements suggested possible deficit increases in the double-digit percentage-point range compared with the target values.

The prime minister’s demand comes against the background of a split majority in parliament. Opposition factions, notably Rassemblement National and La France insoumise, have repeatedly criticized parts of government policy and thus represent a potential blockade. Lecornu emphasized that parliamentary debates are necessary but at the same time called for a willingness to compromise to ensure an actionable financial plan.

On the administrative side there are instruments to secure short-term financing of the state, for example through interim laws; however, they do not replace the political legitimacy of a full-year budget law. Lecornu pointed to the risks for payments to public service providers, investment projects and budget forecasts should temporary solutions have to be extended.

Economic actors and rating agencies are watching the debate closely: delayed budget decisions can affect perceptions of fiscal reliability. Experts warn that prolonged political uncertainty could raise refinancing costs and dampen investment. In his address, Lecornu therefore presented both political and economic arguments for swift parliamentary action.

The government had already sought dialogue with deputies and stakeholders in earlier phases of the budget process. Lecornu now explicitly called on parliamentary factions to create the conditions this autumn so that public finances remain plannable and the parliament’s budgetary prerogative is preserved. He did not name specific dates for submission or voting in his statement.

The debate is likely to intensify in the coming weeks: both parliamentary negotiation processes and possible amendments will show whether a majority can be found for a budget compromise. Observers expect that the government will also have to offer political concessions and fiscal guarantees to enable a viable agreement.