The debate over the 2026 budget in French politics is very intense: the French Socialist Party has issued an ultimatum to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, stating that they are prepared to "overthrow the cabinet" if the budget does not include provisions for increasing taxes on the wealthy and big capitalists. The essence of these demands is plain and urgent: instead of cutting spending and imposing new taxes on doctors, teachers, and workers, they want to raise an additional 1.5 to 2 billion euros by restoring the wealth tax and levying taxes on the ultra-rich.
Olivier Faure, leader of the French Socialist Party, believes that current austerity measures are undermining the fragile social compromise and exacerbating inequality. Without a "fair balance," they will not support the budget and will instead vote no confidence.
The problem that Lecornu faces is arithmetic. The French government does not have a majority in parliament, which means every vote is precious. He needs to reach agreements with the left and center, finding a balance between commitments and reality. If this fails, a political storm could erupt as early as next week.
With the opposition pressing from both sides and the public weary of tightening their belts, can Macron's team maintain the balance in parliament? The budget is not just a document, but a vote of confidence.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846951310128204/
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