Lecornu Forces Through 2026 Budget, Boosts Defense by 6.7 Billion Euros
France adopted its 2026 budget on Jan. 26, 2026, giving the Defense Ministry an extra 6.7 billion euros and suspending pension changes to secure Socialist support.
Overview
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu invoked Article 49.3 to adopt the 2026 budget on Jan. 26, 2026, bypassing a parliamentary vote, officials confirmed.
The budget allocates an additional 6.7 billion euros to the Defense Ministry and launches a voluntary service for volunteers aged 18 and 19, according to government figures.
Lecornu survived two no-confidence motions on Jan. 26, 2026, after challengers won 260 votes of the 289 needed to topple the government, parliamentary records show.
The budget projects a 131.9 billion-euro deficit, equal to 5% of GDP, raises about 7.3 billion euros from corporate levies and funds a new nuclear-powered attack submarine and 362 armored vehicles, the budget text shows.
Opposition leaders and analysts said the suspension of Macron's pension reform to win Socialist backing leaves the minority government fragile ahead of municipal elections in March 2026 and the presidential vote in spring 2027.
Analysis
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FAQ
Article 49.3 of the French Constitution allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu invoking it on January 26, 2026, to force through the 2026 budget.
The 2026 defense budget totals €57.1 billion, an increase of €6.7 billion from 2025, funding a new nuclear-powered attack submarine, 362 armored vehicles, and a voluntary service for 18-19 year olds.
The 2026 budget projects a deficit of 131.9 billion euros, equivalent to 5% of GDP.
Pension changes were suspended to secure Socialist party support for the budget, leaving the minority government fragile ahead of March 2026 municipal elections and the 2027 presidential vote.
France's defense budget is approximately $55 billion in 2026, ranking it 9th globally according to Global Firepower.
