Overview

• The Socialist Party said its decision is irrevocable to vote against the confidence motion on 8 September and unveiled a smaller alternative budget featuring a 2% ‘taxe Zucman’ on fortunes above €100 million.
• The Élysée urged current coalition forces to work with the Socialists as Olivier Faure positions his party to govern without using Article 49.3 and signals readiness to discuss entering government.
• Les Républicains are split, with Laurent Wauquiez saying his group would not immediately censure a PS or RN government, while party chief and interior minister Bruno Retailleau warned against allowing the left to take power.
• François Bayrou defended his plan as a necessary slowing of spending, vowed to fight until the last minute, rejected a dissolution, and continued consultations with party leaders.
• A protest drive labeled “Bloquons tout” seeks to paralyze the country on 10 September and draws 54% sympathy in a poll, as economists warn markets are uneasy and Olivier Blanchard says IMF oversight cannot be ruled out.