Upcoming 2026 Budget: Marine Le Pen issues threat, warns that implementing social VAT could lead RN to table a motion of censure against François Bayrou's administration.
France's National Rally (RN) threatened to vote a censure against the government on Friday, May 30, following the revisitation of the "Social VAT" proposal by François Bayrou. marine le Pen, the RN's parliamentary group leader, stated on BFM-TV and RMC that any increase in taxes would lead them to take this decision.
The "Social VAT" was a proposal originally voted in 2012, which entailed compensating for decreases in social security contributions by increasing the value-added tax (VAT), with a portion of the increase allocated for social security funding. However, it was never implemented, as it was repealed by François Hollande shortly after its adoption, marking the end of Nicolas Sarkozy's term.
Le Pen expressed her opposition to the reintroduction of the "Social VAT," arguing that it disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society. She further criticized the government for a lack of political will in addressing the state's excessive spending, combating fraud, and controlling immigration costs.
In addition, she dismissed the idea of a referendum on a "comprehensive plan" for reducing deficits, stating that such a referendum would involve presenting the French with a bill rather than a question, as illustrated by her proposal to abolish family allowances for foreigners.
The far-right leader also holding a three-day visit in New Caledonia questioned the government's willingness to address the state's overspending, fraud, and immigration costs.Right-wing parties such as the National Rally typically oppose new taxes or increases in existing ones, perceiving them as burdens to businesses or middle-class households. If the "Social VAT" is proposed in the 2026 budget to fund social programs or boost government revenue, the RN might contest it based on economic burden or ideological disagreement with the social policies it supports. For accurate and detailed information on the RN's stance on the "Social VAT" in the 2026 budget, consult official statements or press releases from the National Rally.
The National Rally (RN) may contest the inclusion of the "Social VAT" in the 2026 budget, as it perceives it as an economic burden or ideologically opposed to its stance on social policies. The RN's parliamentary group leader, Marine Le Pen, has criticized the government for a lack of political will in addressing the state's excessive spending, combating fraud, and controlling immigration costs, highlighting policy-and-legislation and politics as key areas of concern.
