French National Assembly Rejects Two Motions of Censure After Government Uses Article 49.3 to Pass 2026 Budget

On January 27, 2026, the French National Assembly rejected two motions of censure following the government’s invocation of Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the 2026 state budget without a vote.

The motions of censure were submitted by opposition groups including the left-wing factions—insoumis, ecologists, GDR (which includes communists and overseas representatives)—and the far-right National Rally. The first motion, spearheaded by deputies such as Cyrielle Chatelain, Mathilde Panot, and Stéphane Peu, received 267 votes in favor. The second motion, led by Marine Le Pen and Eric Ciotti, gathered 140 votes. Both fell short of the required 289 votes needed to topple the government.

The government’s use of Article 49.3, which allows the executive branch to bypass parliamentary votes on legislation, was exercised on January 23, 2026, for both the expenditure section and the entire budget bill. This maneuver ensured the adoption of the 2026 finance bill despite opposition resistance.

Prior to these developments, a mixed commission of deputies and senators had failed to reach a compromise on the finance bill on December 19, 2025, following prolonged discussions starting from January 13, 2026. The rejection of both motions of censure reaffirms the government's legislative authority and stability amid political tensions.

This decision means the 2026 state budget is now transmitted to the Senate for further consideration, with the government firmly maintaining control over the budget process despite challenges from opposition factions.

As noted by France 24, "The Assembly rejected two motions of censure, which were tabled by groups ranging from the insoumis and ecologists to the National Rally, following the use of Article 49.3 by the Prime Minister to adopt the spending part of the 2026 budget." The official Assembly report also underscores that the government’s responsibility engagement through Article 49.3 precluded a conventional parliamentary vote, enabling the finance bill’s adoption.

In summary, the rejection of both censure motions confirms the current government's strategy to advance the 2026 state budget despite legislative hurdles, highlighting ongoing political divisions but ensuring continuity in France's financial governance.