French Government Uses Article 49.3 to Pass 2026 Budget Amid Political Turmoil

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has once again invoked article 49.3 of the French Constitution to push through the 'expenses' section of the 2026 state budget, following the earlier adoption of the 'revenue' part. This move, aimed at ending a prolonged political deadlock that began in September 2025, triggered motions of censure from opposition parties La France Insoumise (LFI) and the Rassemblement National (RN), reflecting deep divisions in the National Assembly.

Lecornu emphasized the necessity of resolving the ongoing political crisis, stating, "There is a crisis that started in September and we need to know how to end a political crisis." He reassured that the budget does not include tax increases for businesses and highlighted that its passage using 49.3 has helped calm market fears, with the borrowing rate gap between France and Germany narrowing.

The budget includes a €1.1 billion reduction from the France 2030 investment program, a key initiative supporting industrial sectors and ecological transition. However, opposition parties criticize the budget for exacerbating social inequalities and failing to sufficiently address the cost of living crisis affecting many French citizens.

Political tensions are further evidenced by the rejection of motions of censure filed by LFI and RN. Despite these parliamentary challenges, the government appears determined to proceed with its fiscal plan, using constitutional mechanisms to bypass legislative gridlock.

In parallel, the latest political barometer by Ipsos bva-CESI for La Tribune Dimanche reveals a low approval rating for President Emmanuel Macron at 18%, with 79% disapproval, marking a peak in his unpopularity. Prime Minister Lecornu maintains a relatively steadier approval of 29%. Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, RN's Jordan Bardella leads among potential candidates with 35% satisfaction, though he also faces high rejection rates. The survey underscores that purchasing power remains the primary concern for 42% of French citizens, even as this worry has somewhat diminished, alongside social system future and crime levels as major public issues.

These developments illustrate the fraught political atmosphere in France as the government struggles to balance economic imperatives with growing public dissatisfaction and parliamentary opposition.