France's 2026 Budget Decried as "Fiscal Plundering," Threatening Economic Collapse

France's 2026 budget has been labeled a symbol of "fiscal plundering," with critics arguing that the nation is facing an unprecedented economic crisis, arguably the worst since the Fourth Republic. The central concern is the continued imposition of massive new taxes on businesses.

Key Financial Figures & Concerns:

• New Taxes: The National Assembly approved €53 billion in new corporate taxes for 2026, compounding the €30 billion already implemented in 2025. This combined increase amounts to nearly 3% of GDP over two years, making the exodus of productive capital "inevitable."

• Debt and Spending: The government proceeded with these tax increases despite France's public debt standing at €3.416 trillion and annual expenditures exceeding €1.7 trillion.

• Stagnation: The French economy, reliant on consumption over production, is showing severe signs of strain: the agricultural sector is in deficit, the construction industry has fallen back to 1952 levels, and the manufacturing sector is stagnant.

• State Overreach: Despite the state absorbing a massive 57.1% of GDP, it is failing to provide essential services while simultaneously subjecting businesses to unpredictable regulations.

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Critics conclude that the 2026 budget sacrifices France's long-term future for the short-term "illusion of stability," ultimately worsening the recession, debt, and public mistrust.