Sébastien Lecornu rules out 2027 presidential run and outlines interim budget plan

Rejection of presidential candidacy

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed on 29 August 2026 that he will not run in the spring 2027 presidential election. In an interview published by Le Parisien, Lecornu stated that his administration functions strictly as a working government rather than an electoral vehicle. He asked prospective candidates across all political parties to refrain from obstructing government business for campaign purposes. The head of government stressed that state institutions must continue delivering public services regardless of electoral competition. Lecornu noted that he has repeated this stance multiple times and will not take part in electoral maneuvering.

I do not know in which language I have to say it! The government is a government of mission, not a government on the campaign trail: as I have already said on several occasions, I am not a candidate for the presidential election. I am not getting involved in the presidential campaign.

Interim budget and spending controls

Lecornu warned that entering 2027 without an enacted finance law would create an extremely grave financial situation for France. Such an outcome would compound existing international instability with domestic disorder. With fewer than eight months remaining before the first round of the presidential vote, the prime minister proposed a temporary first-semester budget. This framework contains reversible measures designed to give any incoming parliamentary majority full discretion after the election. Lecornu described the upcoming budget as difficult but insisted that its provisions would avoid brutal cuts. Under the plan, the central government will carry the primary burden of spending restraint by keeping expenditure growth below the rate of inflation. Operating expenditure for local authorities will rise at the exact pace of inflation, while social spending will exceed inflation due to population ageing.

Targeted welfare, healthcare, and tax policies

The fiscal strategy incorporates selective expenditure reductions while shielding lower-income households from automatic freezes. Lecornu confirmed that the Revenu de Solidarité Active (RSA) minimum income benefit and low-tier retirement pensions will not be frozen. In contrast, removing inflation indexation from the highest retirement pensions is currently under consideration in government discussions. The prime minister also plans to engage social partners on a formal reform to curtail abuses of paid sick leave. In healthcare, the government intends to examine reducing state reimbursements for prescription medications that demonstrate limited therapeutic benefit. Lecornu also stated that repeating the temporary surtax on very large corporations would send an unfavorable signal to international investors, though discussions on revenue options remain open.

Parliament and parliamentary censure risks

The prime minister acknowledged the acute political vulnerability facing his cabinet in the National Assembly. Operating without a legislative majority, Lecornu noted that he has prepared for the possibility of a successful censure motion since taking office. He indicated that if lawmakers reject the finance bill in parliament, he will accept the decision and regain his freedom. The government intends to present the legislative package during the upcoming autumn parliamentary session without raising general taxes. Lecornu called on lawmakers to allow necessary fiscal measures to pass in the collective interest of the country.