French Government Suspends Weekend Budget Debates Amid Controversy over Key Amendments

The French government has announced it will not continue budget discussions over the weekend in the National Assembly, citing the unfeasibility of completing debates with 1,900 pending amendments and parliamentary fatigue. Minister of Relations with Parliament Laurent Panifous addressed the assembly, stating that the vote on the 2026 state budget could not take place as scheduled. This suspension effectively shortens the timeline for budget approval, with deputies required to finish debates by November 23, or else the budget will be sent directly to the Senate without a vote, in accordance with Article 47-1 of the Constitution.

The decision has sparked strong criticism from left-wing opposition parties, including La France insoumise (LFI). LFI group leader Mathilde Panot and deputies such as Cyrielle Chatelain and Manuel Bompard condemned the move as a government tactic to avoid a budget vote, describing it as "unacceptable" and accusing the executive of using fatigue as an excuse to restrict parliamentary scrutiny. The opposition’s strategy to highlight the government’s lack of majority on the budget has been undermined by this delay.

Adding to the tensions, four controversial amendments passed by the Assembly, expected to generate an additional €42 billion in revenue, have drawn sharp governmental rebuke. Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin labeled these fiscal amendments "notoriously unconstitutional" and "notoriously unimplementable," urging parliamentarians not to retain them as budget examination progresses.

The budget process has already faced interruptions for social security budget debates and intense debate delays over key taxation measures targeting the wealthy and multinational corporations. Some of these taxation amendments have been passed despite government frustration owing to potential fiscal impacts.

This weekend suspension marks a significant twist in the budget discussions, reflecting both legislative fatigue and heightened political conflict over budget content and procedure, as the ultimate deadline to finalize the budget looms on November 23.