French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu forced his budget through Parliament without a vote for the third and final time Friday, January 30, exposing him to yet another no-confidence motion, Le Monde reports.
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The decision to use the constitutional tool known as Article 49.3 has marked an about-face for Lecornu, who pledged last year to seek Parliament's approval, in a bid to avoid the fate of his two predecessors who were ousted over budget negotiations. But after months of negotiations reached an impasse, Lecornu announced he would use the power to force the budget, after making concessions to gain the backing of the Socialists.
"France must have a budget. And so, before this chamber, I am committing the government's responsibility for the entire Finance Bill for 2026," he told the Assemblée Nationale on Friday while invoking the power to push it through.
His opponents, including the radical left and far-right parties, have vowed to file no-confidence motions against him in response. The motions are expected to be debated and voted upon Monday, according to lawmaker Eric Coquerel, who chairs the finance committee.
If Lecornu survives, as anticipated based on his previous support, the budget will move forward for definitive adoption. The Socialist party has "tightened the screws" on its members to fall in line and back the government, Coquerel lamented.
