Overview

• Thousands rallied on Thursday with “Tax the rich” chants as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu races to finalize the 2026 budget.
• The Socialist Party says it will back the government only if the budget includes a 2% tax on wealth above €100 million, a stance that could decide Lecornu’s survival in no‑confidence math.
• Economist Gabriel Zucman says about 1,800 households would be liable and revenue could reach up to €20 billion, while seven economists estimate nearer €5 billion.
• Lecornu is open to talks but warns taxing business owners’ stakes could penalize job creators, as employers’ group MEDEF and start‑up leaders caution about investment and liquidity strains.
• Legal experts warn the measure could face constitutional challenges, and with an October 7 deadline to submit the budget, a Senate rejection earlier this year underscores difficult passage ahead.