French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has brought his government together for a strategic meeting focused on the 2027 budget, aiming to find a middle ground that prevents a potential vote of no confidence. This comes after the 2026 budget process, which was particularly challenging and required the use of the 49.3 article—a legal tool that allows the government to bypass parliamentary approval in urgent situations. This year, the situation is expected to be even more complex, with nine potential presidential candidates present in the National Assembly during budget discussions. These candidates represent a range of political groups, including the centrist Renaissance, the far-right National Rally, and various left-wing parties. Passing a budget without a clear parliamentary majority is inherently difficult, especially in the current political climate. Prisca Thévenot, a member of the Renaissance party, acknowledged that reaching an agreement is complicated by the fragmented political landscape. Former government spokesperson Gabriel Attal added that securing a majority for the budget now depends more on shared political values than on traditional alliances. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party is preparing for an internal contest to choose its candidate for the 2027 presidential election. Olivier Faure, the party's first secretary and a primary candidate, warned that neither Gabriel Attal nor Édouard Philippe—both potential candidates from other parties—would be willing to make compromises with the left this year. The Socialist Party has said it will participate in the budget process but will not hesitate to oppose the government if its proposals are deemed unacceptable. The National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, may also play a significant role in shaping the budget's outcome. Julien Odoul, a National Rally deputy, emphasized that the party has clear red lines and will take a stance based on the government's approach. However, he noted that Lecornu currently holds the upper hand in negotiations. The government has also underscored the economic challenges it faces, including the risk of exceeding the public deficit target of 5% of GDP. In the worst-case scenario, this could lead to a deficit of around 15 billion euros, potentially affecting any future government regardless of its political orientation. Concerns have also been raised about possible cuts to the AME (State Medical Aid), a program that provides healthcare support to low-income individuals.