Prime Minister Lecornu Uses 49.3 Procedure on 2026 Budget Receipts Amid Political Compromises

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu invoked Article 49.3 of the French Constitution on January 20, 2026, to push through the 2026 budget's revenue measures without a parliamentary vote. This move aims to bypass the risk of a vote of no confidence, which La France Insoumise (LFI) and the National Rally (RN) intended to file in protest.

Boris Vallaud, president of the Socialist Party deputies, acknowledged that while the use of 49.3 is regrettable because it truncates normal parliamentary debate, discussions with Lecornu produced significant political concessions. These include a substantial increase in the activity bonus, the freezing of income tax, expansion of the €1 student meal program, increased funding for social landlords and the green fund, and the creation of 2,000 new positions in national education. Vallaud expressed optimism that these compromises would prevent the Socialist Party from supporting a motion of censure.

Vallaud also criticized the RN and LFI for not engaging constructively in the parliamentary process, highlighting that despite not endorsing the final budget, these efforts yielded tangible gains that benefit the French population.

This development underscores both the tension and tactical maneuvering characterizing the 2026 budget debate, with the government relying on constitutional tools while negotiating political concessions to limit opposition fallout.