On the Agenda: What's happening in France this week

"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."

"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"

France's draft 2026 budget moves through the parliamentary process with MPs allotted up to 40 days for a first-reading vote and a formal vote scheduled for Monday, November 24 at 4pm. The Senate will undertake 15 to 20 days of public examination, with which version proceeds depending on National Assembly action or government selection; the government has pledged to incorporate Assembly amendments. A three-day strike in Belgium could disrupt travel in northern France. Dozens of demonstrations will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Cultural items include returning pandas and a previously unlisted Renoir work due for auction.

Read at The Local France