ISTANBUL

The French premier on Monday denounced the "cynicism" of certain political parties after the parliament, or National Assembly, overwhelmingly rejected the income provisions of the government’s 2026 budget, delivering a major setback to deficit-cutting efforts.

"Certain political parties and some presidential candidates fundamentally believe that the compromise is not compatible with their own electoral strategy, and, in essence, a form of cynicism is emerging, which could lead to certain ideological commitments of some political parties blocking the situation," Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said during a news conference.

Reiterating the need to avoid a blockage on budget talks, he reaffirmed that there is "always" a majority in the Assembly to allow the passage of a budget for the coming year.

"Everyone naturally tries to push their own convictions, to somehow plant their ideological flag, all while facing the challenge of understanding and maintaining the overall coherence of this text," Lecornu stressed.

He also identified five priority areas: maintaining a deficit target of less than 5% of GDP, reforming the government and clarifying responsibilities, energy issues, agriculture, and internal and external security.

Lecornu stressed that success is possible if they put in the effort and move past the "political deadlock" that "some want to establish as, in essence, a backdrop for the next presidential election."

"The National Assembly is not a theater. The budget is not merely a stage prop. And France is not a stepping stone. Therefore, everyone must now, with responsibility and a sense of the general interest, approach the 2026 budget with great seriousness and commitment," he added.

French lawmakers voted down the revenue section of the government’s 2026 budget on Saturday, which outlines taxation measures, after more than 120 hours of debate in the lower house, with 404 votes against and just one vote in favor.

The move threw the budget process into deeper uncertainty and shifted the focus to the Senate, which is expected to remove many of the amendments adopted by deputies.

France is under mounting pressure from investors to rein in its widening deficit. But passing the budget has become increasingly difficult since President Emmanuel Macron lost his absolute majority in last year’s snap elections.

A confrontation over the previous year’s budget eventually toppled former Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu pledged not to use special constitutional powers, notably Article 49.3, to force the budget through, granting lawmakers unusual freedom to reshape the bill but also raising the risk of legislative deadlock.

Once the Senate completes its review, a cross-party joint committee will attempt to negotiate a compromise text.

Under the Constitution, if parliament fails to adopt the budget by early December, the government retains the option of imposing it by decree.