French media throughout October 31 focused intensely on the Budget 2026 debates in the National Assembly. In the morning and early afternoon, discussions revolved around the proposed Zucman tax on high wealth and a tax on financial holdings. Socialist leader Olivier Faure indicated the Zucman tax was unlikely to pass. Concurrently, the National Assembly approved a tax on holdings, but with significant limitations due to right-wing amendments. In the late afternoon, the Zucman tax, along with a lighter version, was ultimately rejected by deputies. This rejection prompted significant reaction from the left, while Sébastien Lecornu expressed "profound disagreement." In the evening, the social affairs committee approved the suspension of pension reform and rejected freezing social minima and pensions, with a new "unproductive wealth tax" also approved.