Overview

• Matignon announced a freeze on 2026 operating means for administrations it funds, a move billed as exemplary that yields about €4 million in savings out of €430 million in non‑payroll expenses, with defense and security excluded and staff replacements kept to a minimum.
• Sébastien Lecornu reiterated a target of €6 billion in reductions to the state’s running costs and has already suspended new communication spending this year, aiming for a 20% cut next year, and ended lifetime perks for former prime ministers.
• After meeting the ‘socle commun’ parties, attendees said he plans proposals to reduce certain taxes notably in favor of work and invited a discussion on tax fairness that preserves growth and jobs.
• He has ruled out a Zucman‑style wealth levy, an ISF restoration, or pausing the pension reform, prompting a Socialist ‘last chance’ ultimatum for Friday and expectations of a censure bid from parts of the left.
• Key deadlines loom with budget orientations due to the Haut Conseil des finances publiques around October 1 and the finance bill to be filed by October 15, as unions prepare a national protest on October 2 and talks with Les Républicains continue on a written accord.