It’s another big week for France’s politicians, as the 2026 Budget bill crawls its way through the Parliamentary process, Nicolas Sarkozy is back in court, while Americans in France celebrate Thanksgiving, and a very busy day’s shopping is in store…
Monday
Budget — Article 47 of France’s Constitution gives MPs a maximum of 40 days to vote on the draft budget law in its first reading. This sets the deadline at midnight on November 23rd. However, the first formal vote on the entire budget is scheduled for Monday, November 24th, at 4pm.
Strike — Not in France this time, but a three-day general strike in Belgium that is set to start on Monday could have knock-on effects, particularly in the far north of France, and affecting travel.
Tuesday
Budget — France’s right-leaning Senate is due to begin 15 to 20 days of examining the draft budget law in public session. But what will they examine? If MPs in the National Assembly voted to approve a bill, that version will go forward to the Senate. If MPs voted down the draft bill, the government’s original, unamended, bill goes forward. If there was no time for a vote, which seems likely, the government gets to choose which bill is presented — though it has already pledged to incorporate “all amendments” passed in the National Assembly.
Demonstrations — Events will take place in dozens of towns and cities across France to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In Paris, the Place de la République will host a mobilisation at 6.30pm. An event will also take place at Place de la Joliette in Marseille at the same time.
Pandas — A pair of pandas will return to China from ZooParc de Beauval, in Saint-Aignan, amid concerns over their health.
Auction — Paris’ Drouot auction house is to sell a previously unlisted work by French impressionist Auguste Renoir of his toddler son Jean, who went on to become an Oscar-winning filmmaker.
Wednesday
Social Security — The Senate began debating the projet de loi de financement de la sécurité sociale, the social security part of the budget, on Wednesday 19th. Constitutionally imposed deadlines mean senators must vote on it by November 26th, just one week later.
Shein — Summary proceedings in the government’s bid to suspend the Shein website in France are up for review.
READ ALSO France moves to suspend Shein website as first store opens in Paris
Courts — France’s top court, the Cour de Cassation, will rule on embattled former president Nicolas Sarkozy’s final appeal over illegal campaign financing — the so-called “Bygmalion affair” — for his 2012 presidential campaign.
READ ALSO French court sets November ruling in Sarkozy campaign finance appeal
Thursday
Thanksgiving — For Americans, the fourth Thursday in November is synonymous with Thanksgiving. Here are some tips for how to host an authentic celebration in France.
Event TV — Happy Stranger Things Day to those who celebrate. The first instalments of the fifth and — we’re promised dramatic — final series will hit Netflix on November 27th. But you’ll have to wait until December 26th for the second batch, while the actual finale itself arrives on January 1st, 2026. Things may never be the same again…
Friday
Economy — France’s latest GDP figures and provisional November inflation data are due to be published.
Consumer — It’s Black Friday 2025. Expect shops and online portals to be very busy.
Legend returns — French rugby fans, rejoice! It may be just too late for the November internationals, but Antoine Dupont’s Grand Return is expected when Toulouse face Racing 92 at Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday evening. Word is he may get a few minutes off the bench this weekend after recovering from a knee injury sustained in March.