France: Prime Minister Bayrou Seeks €44B Budget Cut for 2026
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Bayrou has finally spoken the uncomfortable truths that French politicians have avoided for decades. His diagnosis of France's fiscal crisis is undeniable: France maintains the highest public spending in Europe, yet delivers disappointing results. Under this essential rebalancing, public expenditure will still increase while the deficit will be put back on track once and for all.
Left narrative
Bayrou has chosen betrayal over social justice. Frozen tax brackets will push modest earners into higher tax rates while pensions are eroded by inflation. Public holidays are eliminated, unemployment benefits are restricted, and healthcare costs are doubled, yet the wealthy remain untouched, with no mention of progressive taxation. France cannot stand for Bayrou's corporatism.
Right narrative
Bayrou's budget epitomizes technocratic failure: new taxes on the French people while ignoring immigration costs, green energy subsidies, and EU tribute payments. Instead of cutting bureaucratic waste, he eliminates French holidays and freezes benefits. Without a democratic mandate, he imposes austerity on citizens instead of targeting the real issues in French society.
