The budget deficit has reached €106.8 billion in the first six months of 2026 — a 6.4% increase compared to the same period last year. The government has also revised the public deficit upward, from 4.7% to 5% of GDP. AdvertisementDebt Servicing Costs Surpass Defense BudgetHere’s the painful figure: public debt servicing costs amount to €59 billion for 2026. Frequently Asked Questions What is the exact amount of the French budget deficit in the first half of 2026? The public debt servicing cost reaches €59 billion for 2026, compared to €57.1 billion for the Defense budget — an unprecedented situation that makes debt interest the state’s largest expenditure.