Paris: French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is grappling with intense political pressure as he prepares to present the country’s 2026 national budget by Monday, October 13. Reappointed earlier this year by President Emmanuel Macron, Lecornu faces a challenging parliamentary landscape with no party holding a clear majority in the National Assembly. The prime minister has called for an end to what he described as the “ridiculous spectacle” of political deadlock, emphasizing that national interests must take precedence over partisan conflicts.
The upcoming budget is expected to address France's projected 2026 deficit, estimated at between 4.7 and 5 percent of GDP. Lecornu has signaled a willingness to negotiate on contentious issues, including pension reforms, in an effort to secure parliamentary support. Despite these overtures, resistance remains strong from both left-wing and far-right factions, making the path to approval uncertain. Analysts warn that failure to pass the budget on time could destabilize the government and intensify social unrest.
Adding to the complexity, the Socialist Party a potential swing vote has not yet publicly stated its position. Meanwhile, opposition leaders continue to demand either early elections or even President Macron’s resignation, putting Lecornu in a delicate balancing act. In response, the prime minister has pledged to maintain a cabinet committed to “renewal and diversity,” underlining the need for unity and long-term stability.
Lecornu has also firmly rejected the idea of bypassing parliament through emergency measures, cautioning that such steps could trigger a no-confidence vote and deepen the political crisis. With the budget deadline fast approaching, the prime minister’s ability to navigate France’s fractured political scene will be pivotal in determining both the fate of his government and the country’s economic direction.