Paris, France – The French government suffered a historic and dramatic setback in the early hours of Saturday morning, after lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the proposed 2026 state budget in its first reading.
French media described the move, which was partly expected after weeks of controversy, as a “very ominous sign” that threatens the government’s ability to finally pass the budget.
One vote for 404 rejects
The result of the vote was shocking and historic, demonstrating the opposition parties’ commitment to rejecting the revenue-related aspect of the bill:
Those who rejected it: 404 members.
Those in favor: only one vote.
Those who abstained: 84 members.
Those who abstained: 84 members.
This vote of no confidence is unprecedented in the country’s modern history, marking the first time a budget has been rejected in such a massive and overwhelming manner. The rejection comes after 125 hours of debate in the House of Representatives, which focused primarily on proposed amendments to the inheritance tax and the corporate tax rate.
A major setback despite the concessions. This rejection represents a major setback for the government of Prime Minister Le Corneille, who had already made several concessions on the bill in an attempt to appease other parties and secure the approval of the Chamber of Deputies, but they were not enough.
A shocking number in the French parliament: the budget was rejected by 404 votes to only one vote!
The French government suffered a historic and dramatic setback in the early hours of Saturday morning, after lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the proposed 2026 state budget in its first reading.
French media described the move, which was partly expected after weeks of controversy, as a “very ominous sign” that threatens the government’s ability to finally pass the budget.
One vote for 404 rejects
The result of the vote was shocking and historic, demonstrating the opposition parties’ commitment to rejecting the revenue-related aspect of the bill:
Those who rejected it: 404 members.
Those in favor: only one vote.
Those who abstained: 84 members.
Those who abstained: 84 members.
This vote of no confidence is unprecedented in the country’s modern history, marking the first time a budget has been rejected in such a massive and overwhelming manner. The rejection comes after 125 hours of debate in the House of Representatives, which focused primarily on proposed amendments to the inheritance tax and the corporate tax rate.
A major setback despite the concessions. This rejection represents a major setback for the government of Prime Minister Le Corneille, who had already made several concessions on the bill in an attempt to appease other parties and secure the approval of the Chamber of Deputies, but they were not enough.
The budget text is now scheduled to return to the Senate, which will begin considering it next week, amid growing speculation that the government may resort to using Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the budget without a vote in the House of Representatives.
