French Political Leaders Prepare Key Meetings and Consider Constitutional Measures to Secure 2025 Budget Approval

As France approaches the crucial stages of approving its 2025 national budget, significant political maneuvering is underway involving government leaders and diverse political and social stakeholders. Former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has indicated openness to the use of constitutional article 49.3, a measure allowing the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote, to ensure the budget's adoption. Speaking on France Inter's 'Questions politiques,' Borne, now an MP for Calvados, emphasized that citizens desire stability and clarity from the budget—"it's the budget itself that matters, not the method of its passage." She noted the existence of a majority in the National Assembly, spanning parties from the Republicans to the Socialists, who recognize the importance of passing the budget by year's end.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is actively engaging with key political actors and social partners to build consensus around the budget. Starting Monday, Lecornu will meet leaders from the Socialist Party, including Olivier Faure and Boris Vallaud, followed by discussions with Communist Party representatives and environmental group leaders. Past meetings include talks with centrist Liot group head Christophe Naegelen and Republicans Laurent Wauquiez and Mathieu Darnaud.

Lecornu's agenda this week is extensive: a session with the Medef bureau and union leaders such as Frédéric Souillot (Force ouvrière) and Marylise Léon (CFDT), a defense meeting with parliamentary commission members alongside Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, and a lunch with parliamentarians focused on energy policy. He will also honor agricultural leaders with national distinctions. Notably, the Council of Ministers meeting originally planned for Monday was postponed to accommodate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit.

These combined efforts illustrate a comprehensive strategy to secure broad political support and social partnership ahead of the budget vote. Borne’s readiness to invoke article 49.3 underlines the government’s determination to avoid delays, while Lecornu’s consultations signal an emphasis on dialogue and compromise across the political spectrum.

As December progresses, attention will remain focused on whether these political maneuvers will culminate in a smooth passage of the 2025 budget, balancing political negotiation with constitutional authority to meet France’s pressing economic governance needs.