France Seeks Compromise on 2026 Budget Amid Political Divisions and Public Concerns

As France approaches the end of 2025, significant political efforts are underway to reach a compromise on the 2026 budget. Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin expressed optimism about resolving budget issues before year-end, urging political actors to shift focus from electoral ambitions to practical governance. In a recent interview with 'La Montagne,' she criticized the National Rally and La France Insoumise for their fixation on early elections, noting their proposals do not address pressing concerns like healthcare, education, and defense.

Montchalin emphasized that there is a majority in the National Assembly ready to work on these key issues, questioning the rationale behind enduring political blockages when the presidential election is still 18 months away. This stance highlights a government prioritizing stability and concrete policy discussions over political posturing.

Meanwhile, public sentiment reflected in a November 2025 Ipsos bva-CESI political barometer survey reveals a stable but low approval for President Emmanuel Macron at 19%, with 77% viewing him unfavorably. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's popularity has declined slightly to 25%. Citizens identified purchasing power (49%), the future of the social system (44%), and crime (34%) as top concerns. The survey also highlighted potential presidential candidates for 2027, where Jordan Bardella leads with 37% satisfaction, followed closely by Marine Le Pen at 33%. Bardella enjoys strong support from National Rally sympathizers and also some backing from Republicans and UDI supporters.

This political landscape underscores a fraught environment where government officials seek collaboration on the budget amid public anxieties over economic and social issues. As the year closes, the administration aims to bypass political deadlock, including the possible use of constitutional tools like Article 49.3, to enact the budget and address the citizens' needs effectively.