Overview
- Bayrou faced his eighth motion of censure on July 1 but the Socialist‐backed bid fell at 189 of the 289 votes needed when the Rassemblement National withheld its support
- Meetings with all parliamentary groups are underway through July 11 as deputies submit amendment proposals for the 2026 budget framework
- The government’s €40 billion savings plan hinges on an année blanche to freeze inflation indexation, aiming to secure nearly €20 billion in cuts
- France’s public deficit remains above 5 % of GDP—well beyond the EU’s 3 % limit—intensifying pressure for immediate fiscal consolidation
- Bayrou will unveil his full budget orientations between July 15 and 17, setting the stage for autumn debates in Parliament