Opposition parties reacted with harsh criticism and open threats of a no-confidence motion following the 2026 draft budget presented by François Bayrou on Tuesday (July 15).

Bayrou’s proposals, which include freezing social expenditures, cutting €5 billion from the public health sector, and eliminating two public holidays, were described by opponents as a “social massacre.”

Opposition Denounces “Destruction of the Welfare State”

Jordan Bardella, leader of the right-wing National Rally (RN), made it clear that “no RN deputy will accept this measure,” which he called “a provocation.”

Marine Le Pen intensified the criticism, accusing the Macron–Bayrou leadership of a complete failure:

“After seven years of catastrophic waste, Emmanuel Macron and François Bayrou are incapable of making real savings and are presenting the French with yet another bill: nearly €20 billion in taxes and cutbacks. No savings from migration costs, unchecked energy subsidies, or the €7 billion increase in our EU contribution—nothing on bureaucratic waste in hospitals or schools. This government prefers to go after French workers and pensioners instead of tackling waste. As for revitalizing production, aside from repealing some regulations in cooperation with stakeholders—as RN proposes—everything else is wishful thinking. If Bayrou doesn’t revise his plan, we will file a motion of no confidence.”

Unbowed France Warns of “Social and Economic Decline”

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI), took an even harder line:

“Bayrou further entrenches the absurdity of Macron’s policies—destroying the state and public services to make room for the market. Let the majority pay so the ultra-rich can be spared. The economic, fiscal, and social descent will continue, to the detriment of all. Beware: we are approaching the point of no return. These disasters and injustices must no longer be tolerated. We must urgently put an end to Macronism. Bayrou must go.”

Socialists Call It a “Black Year”

Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure condemned “the brutality of the measures, whose cumulative effect will hit families extremely hard,” accusing Bayrou of shielding “the vast assets of the ultra-rich.”

“This is not a recovery plan—it’s a demolition plan.
It won’t be a blank year but a black year for the French.”

Marine Tondelier, secretary-general of the Greens, focused her criticism on the proposed elimination of the May 8th public holiday, which commemorates the victory over Nazism, expressing outrage over who will bear the cost of Macron’s chaos.

Bayrou’s Proposed Measures

Presenting his plan under the slogan “the moment of truth,” Prime Minister Bayrou outlined the 2026 budget blueprint on July 15. It aims to save €40 billion and reduce the deficit from 5.8% of GDP in 2025 to 4.6% in 2026.

Flanked by five ministers, Bayrou warned of a debt rising €5,000 per second, calling the nation’s over-indebtedness “a curse with no exit.”

He confirmed an increase in the defense budget by €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027, insisting that “war has returned” and “Europe must not remain disarmed.” A five-year deficit-reduction plan was announced, targeting a drop to 5.4% in 2025 and below 3% by 2029.

Spending Freeze and Public Sector Cuts

For 2026, a “zero-growth” year in spending is planned, with ministerial budgets—except for defense and debt interest—frozen at 2025 levels.

Bayrou also announced:

3,000 public sector jobs cut through non-replacement of one in three retirees.

Closure of inactive services, resulting in another 1,000–1,500 job losses.

No increases in social benefits or pensions.

Tax rates will remain unchanged.

Healthcare and Municipal Budget Cuts

In healthcare, Bayrou unveiled a €5 billion reduction. Medications not directly related to diagnosis will no longer be fully reimbursed, and co-payments for prescriptions will double.

Municipalities will be required to save €5.3 billion, with ongoing cuts to their tax revenues.

Extra Contributions and Fight Against Fraud

Bayrou proposed:

An extension of the solidarity tax on high incomes.

A new “contribution” measure to broaden revenue.

A bill to crack down on tax evasion and social fraud.

Pension tax deduction reform: replacing the 10% deduction with a fixed annual exemption to support low and middle pensions.

Abolition of Two Public Holidays

In a bid to boost productivity, Bayrou suggested eliminating two public holidays—Easter Monday and May 8th—so the “whole nation works more,” estimating this would generate several billion euros in additional revenue.

If passed, France would have nine public holidays per year, matching Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands.