French National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet Labels 49.3 Budget Passage a Political Failure, Proposes Reform

The recent use of article 49.3 of the French Constitution by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to pass the 2026 budget has been sharply criticized by Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, who described it as a failure of parliamentary democracy. She lamented the absence of quality debate and political consensus on important sections of the budget, such as education and agriculture, stating essential discussions did not take place.

Braun-Pivet outlined several reform proposals aimed at improving the budgetary process. These include setting a one-month limit for budget debates, reviewing the budget as a whole instead of in separate parts, and establishing multi-year agreements on taxation and investment to provide stability for private investors. She plans to discuss these reforms with the presidents of financial committees and has received support from Prime Minister Lecornu for changing budget examination methods.

The Assembly President also addressed the recent violent incidents during parliamentary sessions, underscoring the need for respect within the chamber and indicating that sanctions against offenders might be necessary. On the contentious end-of-life law, Braun-Pivet expressed concern over its weakening by the Senate but confirmed the final readings are scheduled for February 2026.

In addition to legislative reforms, Braun-Pivet advocated enhancing citizen engagement through easier referendum processes and broader public consultations. She is considering amending the Constitution to facilitate this increased democratic participation.

Furthermore, Braun-Pivet expressed a positive view on the current absence of an absolute majority in the Assembly, suggesting that pluralism strengthens democracy and calls for political leaders to embrace this reality.

On the international stage, she emphasized France's active role in the Coalition of Volunteers supporting Ukraine and the importance of reinforcing European unity and international alliances.