French prime minister survives no-confidence votes, securing 2026 budget path

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has successfully navigated a significant political challenge, defeating two motions of no-confidence late Monday and clearing the final parliamentary hurdle for the 2026 state budget. The votes were called by opposition parties after Lecornu invoked a controversial constitutional article to force the budget through the National Assembly without a direct vote. The failure of both motions ensures the government's financial plan moves forward, though it still requires review by France's Constitutional Council before becoming law.

A constitutional maneuver triggers political backlash

The crisis was precipitated last week when Prime Minister Lecornu utilized Article 49.3 of the French Constitution for the third and final time on the budget bill. This provision allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote but automatically triggers a vote of confidence. Opposition parties from both the far-right and left-wing alliances seized the opportunity to challenge the government, submitting separate no-confidence motions. They criticized the executive for bypassing democratic debate on a bill with significant economic and social implications.

Opposition fails to muster a majority

In the subsequent votes, neither motion attracted enough support to topple the government. The motion from the left-wing alliance, which excluded the Socialists, garnered 260 votes in favor, falling 29 votes short of the absolute majority of 289 required. The motion from Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally performed even more weakly, receiving only 135 votes. The results demonstrated the continued, though fragile, cohesion of President Emmanuel Macron's centrist ruling coalition and its ability to withstand pressure from a fragmented opposition.

Budget details and next steps

The 2026 budget bill at the center of the dispute is designed to reduce France's public deficit from an estimated 5.4% of GDP in 2025 to 5% in 2026. To secure its passage, the government included several concessions aimed at winning support, particularly from the Socialist Party. Reported measures include the introduction of one-euro meals for students and an increase in the activity bonus for low-income workers. With the parliamentary obstacle now overcome, the bill will be sent to the Constitutional Council for a mandatory review of its legality, the final step before formal promulgation by the president.