French prosecutors investigate leaks of confidential 2027 budget documents

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into suspected leaks of confidential information about preparations for the 2027 budget following a referral by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, local media reported Tuesday.

The Paris prosecutor's office said the preliminary investigation, opened a week after Lecornu's referral, concerns suspected breaches of professional secrecy and breach of trust, according to BFMTV.

Lecornu referred the matter to prosecutors on Sept. 7 after the French business daily Les Echos reported that the government was considering applying social security contributions to some employee profit-sharing payments and employer contributions to savings plans.

The prime minister’s referral cited two articles based on provisional and confidential documents relating to the draft 2027 budget, the prosecutor’s office said.

Lecornu’s office said at the time that the referral was not directed at the press.

Journalists’ unions nevertheless raised concerns over the protection of sources. The National Union of Journalists warned that judicial pressure could discourage sources from speaking to reporters.