In 2026, France is governed by President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, at the head of a minority government. The year is marked by budgetary tensions, a rise in fuel prices linked to a conflict in the Middle East, and social mobilisations.
🏛️ Politics
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu engaged his government's responsibility (article 49.3) to pass the 2026 budget, around 19 January. The government was reshuffled on 26 February. An extraordinary session of Parliament opened on 1 July. The campaign for the 2027 presidential election is already underway, with declared candidates. On the international stage, France took part in joint statements on the two-state solution (8 September) and in its commitment to NATO forces in Finland (announcement of 8 July). A French-Polish summit was held on 20 April. The Pope visited Paris at the end of September.
⚖️ Economy and society
The public deficit stood at 5.1% of GDP in 2025, and public debt was close to 117.5% of GDP. The government lowered its growth forecast for 2026 to 0.7% according to one media outlet, and sought additional savings. This followed a freeze on credits decided after the shock linked to the Middle East. The surge in fuel prices led the government to extend until the end of the year the aid for heavy drivers, widened to 5.5 million potential beneficiaries (announcement of 22 September). A plan of 80 million euros to support the world of work in the face of AI was also launched.
🔬 Science
The government announced measures to speed up the use of artificial intelligence in the state (June). A call by France to strengthen European space exploration was published on 10 September.
🎭 Culture
On 14 July, a commemoration marked the tenth anniversary of the Nice attack. No other reliable cultural information is available here for 2026.
Key events
- The Prime Minister resorts to article 49.3 to adopt the 2026 budget.bnf.libguides.com
- A new composition of Sébastien Lecornu's government is announced.bnf.libguides.com
- Commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Nice attack.bnf.libguides.com
- Demonstrations, including those of high school students, lead to violence in Paris, sparking political controversy.franceinfo.fr
Historical context
- since 2017
Emmanuel Macron holds the office of President of the Republic. His second term, begun in 2022, ends in 2027.
- since 2024
Following the dissolution of the National Assembly and the 2024 legislative elections, no clear majority has emerged. The Barnier, Bayrou and then Lecornu governments (since September-October 2025) have succeeded one another.