French National Assembly Rejects Censure Motions After Use of Article 49.3 to Pass 2026 Finance Bill

On January 27, 2026, the French National Assembly formally rejected two motions of censure filed against the government following its invocation of article 49.3 of the Constitution, which enables passing legislation without a vote when deemed necessary by the government. This move effectively sealed the adoption of the 2026 finance bill in its second reading.

The first motion of censure was submitted by opposition deputies Cyrielle Chatelain, Mathilde Panot, Stéphane Peu, and 110 colleagues, garnering 267 votes in favor—22 votes short of the 289 majority required. The second motion, led by Marine Le Pen, Eric Ciotti, and 102 other lawmakers, received only 140 votes. As a result, the finance bill has now officially passed despite strong opposition.

The legislative process started on January 13, 2026, but had faced hurdles, including a failed compromise by a mixed parliamentary committee on December 19, 2025. Prior to the rejection of these recent motions, the government had similarly invoked article 49.3 on January 23 to engage its responsibility on both parts of the bill, prompting earlier censure motions that were also defeated.

This episode underscores the government's firm stance to push the finance legislation through the Assembly amidst parliamentary resistance, relying on constitutional measures rather than traditional votes.

The bill's adoption secures the budget framework for 2026 amid ongoing debates about France's economic strategy and fiscal management, as well as growing public concern over living standards. The use of article 49.3, while constitutionally valid, often remains controversial as it bypasses the typical parliamentary vote, highlighting tensions between the government and opposition forces in the Assembly.