Overview
- On Saturday, August 29, 2026, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he is not a candidate for the 2027 presidential race and will not take part in the campaign.
- Lecornu presented a 'budget de premier semestre' that would be short, reversible and leave major long-term choices to the next parliamentary majority.
- He listed contested options under consideration, including de-indexing the largest pensions from inflation, clamping down on sick-leave 'abuses' through negotiated reform, and questioning reimbursement for low‑value medicines.
- Lecornu argued that failing to pass the interim budget would put France in a 'gravissime' financial position and suggested he could resign if parliament blocks the bill.
- He rejected reintroducing a surtax on very large firms as harmful to investor confidence and said the government will seek talks with social partners and markets to balance fiscal credibility and social pressures.