24 August Briefing Read full brief
France is campaigning through institutions already under strain
Water tankers, a breach affecting 678,000 tax records and four suspected Russian operations against Gabriel Attal turned state capacity into an early presidential issue. The fiscal watchdog then warned that a year without a 2027 budget would worsen the deficit by at least 0.5 percent of GDP, making institutional competence the campaign’s scarce resource.
Frequently Asked
5How many people were affected by the French tax data breach?
Attackers extracted data on 678,000 people and businesses from the French tax administration using stolen credentials.
What is the current soil moisture level in France?
Météo-France says soil moisture has reached its lowest level since measurements began.
What is the expected French deficit in 2027 without policy change?
The European Commission expects a no-policy-change deficit of 5.7 percent in 2027.
Who is Sébastien Lecornu?
Sébastien Lecornu is the French Prime Minister who convened a crisis meeting and ordered an ANSSI audit after the tax data breach.
What is the IGF's warning about the 2027 budget?
The Inspection générale des finances found that prolonging the special law would worsen the public balance by at least 0.5 percentage points of GDP and leave ministries about €10 billion short.