France’s Prime Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, made a significant announcement on Friday: the crucial spending bill will face a complete parliamentary vote. This decision marks a deliberate attempt to build consensus in a nation currently grappling with deep political rifts.
The nation is in urgent need of a budget agreement to tackle its escalating debt and deficit. This financial strain has already triggered significant political unrest, causing the downfall of Lecornu’s two previous counterparts and unsettling the economy. However, the path forward is obstructed by a deeply fragmented lower house, split among various left-wing factions, a fragile center-right alliance, and a formidable nationalist far-right bloc.
Lecornu, who was recently appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, emphasized that it is now the lawmakers’ responsibility to approve a budget before the year concludes. A failure to do so could plunge France deeper into political instability and economic turmoil.
During a concise address, Lecornu stated, “In a truly functional Parliament—one that has been re-elected and reflects the diverse opinions of the French people, despite its divisions—you simply cannot steamroll legislation or overpower the opposition.”
He further added, “The government itself must adapt its approach and actively work towards building compromises.”
A centrist and key ally of President Macron, Lecornu has engaged in extensive discussions with political parties and unions since assuming his role. His announcement is also seen as a strategic move to preempt any potential no-confidence votes before budget deliberations even commence. he faces a delicate balancing act: strengthening ties with conservatives while simultaneously addressing the concerns of the moderate left. Their demands, such as implementing a wealth tax or reversing the recently increased retirement age, clash directly with Macron’s steadfast pro-business policies.
In a surprising turn, Lecornu explicitly stated he would not invoke Article 49.3 of the French Constitution. This controversial provision typically permits the government to bypass a full vote in the lower house, a tactic frequently employed by his predecessors to overcome legislative hurdles and push bills through.
While Article 49.3 expedites legislation, it also exposes the ruling government to a potential no-confidence vote. If this motion fails, the bill proceeds, and the government remains intact. However, if it passes, the legislation is struck down, and the government—comprising the prime minister and cabinet, but not the president—is dissolved.
Established in the 1958 Constitution, Article 49.3 was originally intended to help governments maintain control over their parliamentary majorities. Yet, in recent times, it has been widely perceived as a means to unfairly circumvent opposition. Public outrage peaked in 2023 when Macron’s administration controversially used it to enact the deeply unpopular increase in the legal retirement age.
Leading political figures, while welcoming Lecornu’s declaration, criticized him for allegedly adhering too closely to Macron’s policies and refrained from ruling out a future no-confidence vote.
Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, commented before his meeting with Lecornu: “To forgo Article 49.3 is to acknowledge that Parliament, and only Parliament, has the ultimate authority.”
However, Faure expressed concern that this move might simply be a “smoke screen,” noting that the government still possesses other mechanisms to limit parliamentary discussion.
While the Prime Minister has hinted at a few measures recently, the core details of his budget are anticipated to be revealed in an upcoming speech to lawmakers. Even if France fails to pass a budget by year-end, it is not expected to face an immediate government shutdown comparable to the situation in the United States.
According to French legal provisions, the government could introduce a “special measure” that would effectively reinstate the 2025 budget. Under this scenario, tax rates would remain unchanged, the state would retain its borrowing capacity, and civil servants would continue to receive their salaries, though non-essential expenditures would be prohibited.
This was precisely the situation last year until the budget was finally approved in February, notably through the invocation of Article 49.3. While such a temporary measure allows the state to continue essential operations, its prolonged existence significantly hinders governmental effectiveness and introduces considerable uncertainty for investors, businesses, and consumers alike.