The Cour des Comptes, in its report presented on February 19, 2026, highlights that France's public finances at the start of 2026 show limited budgetary efforts, necessitating increased action in the coming years. The report indicates that the 2025 public deficit reached 5.4% of GDP, exceeding the initial target of 5.0%, with this reduction primarily driven by significant tax increases rather than expenditure control, as health and social security spending notably rose by 2.2%. For 2026, the deficit is projected at 5% of GDP, a slight improvement but still above the 4.7% target, with the Cour des Comptes warning that the situation remains uncertain and the debt is projected to climb to 118.6% of GDP by the end of 2026. The institution stresses that sustained, coherent efforts are crucial to manage debt and avoid unsustainable interest burdens.