Socialist MP Philippe Brun, during the examination of the 2026 budget bill at the Assemblée Nationale in Paris, on October 24, 2025. JULIEN MUGUET FOR LE MONDE
A dramatic turn of events occurred shortly after debate on the 2026 budget bill resumed in the Assemblée Nationale on Monday afternoon, October 27, when Economy Minister Roland Lescure requested a suspension of the session. Ten minutes later, a government-backed amendment, one as unexpected as it was significant, was put up for debate. The proposal sought to increase a planned surtax on corporate profits by €2 billion, with the tax focusing on the largest companies. Instead of the €4 billion that had originally been planned, the measure would now raise €6 billion, in order to "balance the budget."
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French parliament prepares for budget showdown like no other
"Fiscal madness!" said Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the Les Républicains (LR, right) MPs. Immediately, other amendments and sub-amendments emerged. Some proposed reducing the amount to €2 billion, while others pushed for €7 or €8 billion instead. Thirty minutes later, the government's amendment was adopted, thanks to support from the left and MoDem (center), while LR and Macron-aligned MPs remained divided, and the far right and Horizons (center-right) voted against it. "There is nothing confiscatory about asking these 400 largest companies to make a certain effort during the very difficult times we are experiencing," said, just a little earlier, Philippe Brun, the Socialists' point man on the budget.
