According to Finance Minister Eric Lombard, France will need to save an additional €40 billion in order to meet its 2026 budget deficit goal.
In an interview with BFM TV on Sunday, Lombard stated that while the government is sticking to its 2026 deficit target of 4.6% of GDP, “additional efforts” will be needed. According to him, those would mostly be savings, though they would also include increased income from economic expansion.
Earlier this week, France reduced its growth prediction, blaming uncertainties brought on by the broad tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. Less than two months after parliament approved a postponed 2025 budget based on a 0.9% expansion, the anticipated adjustment represents a rapid decline in the nation’s economic prospects.
Lombard also reiterated the government’s aim to extend a tax on high-earners. “My wish is that this contribution becomes permanent,” he said on BFM.
