France's 2026 Budget Passed with Article 49.3 Amid Political Turmoil and Louvre Heist Fallout
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the passage of the 2026 budget using Article 49.3 after extensive parliamentary debate, featuring cuts across most sectors and a €6.7 billion increase in defense spending. Opposition parties have initiated motions of no confidence, while security concerns have escalated following the October 2025 Louvre heist, with €88 million in stolen jewels still missing. Additionally, Culture Minister Rachida Dati plans to resign to focus on the upcoming Paris municipal elections.
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French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed the adoption of the 2026 budget using Article 49.3 after 350 hours of parliamentary debate failed to yield results. The budget includes cuts across most sectors, except for a €6.7 billion increase in defense spending.
Opposition parties, including the Rassemblement National and La France Insoumise, have announced motions of no confidence. President Emmanuel Macron supports the budget as essential for stability. Additionally, new footage from the October 2025 Louvre heist has raised security concerns, with stolen jewels valued at €88 million still missing, though the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie has been recovered.
On the diplomatic front, France plans to convene G7 finance ministers to discuss U.S. tariffs related to Greenland, which has been criticized by Paris. Culture Minister Rachida Dati will resign to focus on the Paris municipal elections scheduled for March 15.
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