Parliamentary Dynamics Heat Up Over Budget Vote Amid Light-Hearted Exchanges

In the ongoing debates over France's 2026 budget, tensions remain high as Sébastien Chenu of the Rassemblement National (RN) predicts the government will bypass parliamentary opposition by invoking article 49.3. Chenu accused President Macron's party of fearing the electorate and highlighted plans for a €20 billion tax hike that have drawn criticism. He anticipated support from Les Républicains and the Socialist Party to block censure motions, ensuring the budget's passage despite public discontent. Chenu also defended RN's Jordan Bardella against mockery from Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, asserting Bardella's potential future leadership. Meanwhile, in a rare moment of camaraderie inside the Hémicycle, Marine Le Pen and Lecornu exchanged light-hearted banter. Le Pen, leading the RN group, called for a holiday pause in political combat, expressing gratitude to workers during the festive season. Lecornu humorously quoted a phrase often used by Bardella, to which Le Pen responded with amusement, breaking the typical parliamentary tension. Chenu additionally noted Le Pen's confidence ahead of her 2026 trial and criticized the U.S. decision to suspend visas linked to tech regulation, underscoring broader political concerns.