Vote removes tax extension

On 27 October 2026, the National Assembly voted to remove the one-year extension of an exceptional surtax on the profits of large companies, which had been included in the State's 2027 budget bill. The vote passed by a margin of two votes, with 79 "for" and 77 "against."

Tax measure targets large companies

This tax measure, initially created during the 2025 budget and extended in 2026, currently targets companies generating at least 1.5 billion euros in turnover. The government had proposed to extend the exceptional contribution on the profits of large companies, introduced in the 2025 budget bill, but with reduced rates compared to the previous two years.

Amendments from multiple groups

The removal of the extension was supported by amendments submitted by groups ranging from the Republican Right to the National Rally and from the Union of the Right for the Republic to Horizons, including even two members of the presidential party sitting within the Ensemble for the Republic group. Deputy Félicie Gérard (Horizons) stated that "in an exceptional contribution that lasts three years, there is nothing exceptional anymore."

Criticism from government and left

The general rapporteur of the budget, Philippe Juvin (Republican Right), and the government had both issued unfavorable opinions on the removal amendments. Minister of Economy and Finance Roland Lescure stated that "the reality is obviously somewhere between the two," and that the government wanted to maintain the exceptional nature of this contribution "by reducing the rate and reducing revenues from 7 billion and something to 5 billion" next year.

Left opposes removal

The left opposed the removal amendments, with Damien Maudet (France Unbowed) calling the removal "a gift of two billion" and Estelle Mercier (Socialists) defending "a minimal increase in effort to that of the year 2025." However, their opposition was unsuccessful. President of the finance committee, Eric Coquerel (France Unbowed), criticized the vote, calling it "quite ridiculous" and accusing a majority of the central bloc allied with the National Rally of increasing the deficit by 5 billion.

Budget bill faces uncertainty

The budget bill (PLF) has not yet completed its legislative journey. It is more than likely that the "revenues" part of the text will be rejected, and the State budget will go to the Senate, without the "expenses" part being examined. The government will then have to find a way to adopt its 2027 budget, very likely by using Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which will allow it to choose what it wants to keep from the Parliament's votes. It could also resort to decrees, in which case the original text would apply.