Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Invokes Article 49.3 to Pass 2026 State Budget Amid Political Tensions

On January 20, 2026, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu took the significant step of invoking Article 49.3 of the Constitution to push through the revenue portion of the 2026 state budget without a parliamentary vote. This constitutional tool allows the government to bypass the National Assembly’s vote unless a motion of censure is successfully filed, a risk Lecornu knowingly undertook to ensure swift budget approval amid political gridlock.

Lecornu expressed "regret" and "bitterness" about resorting to Article 49.3, acknowledging a "semi-failure" of his prior approach to passage through negotiation. He had previously pledged to avoid this method but faced stalled discussions with opposition parties. The budget aims to contain the deficit at 5% of GDP and addresses pressing challenges such as military funding and the agricultural crisis.

President Emmanuel Macron praised the budget, highlighting its role in maintaining fiscal responsibility and fostering national progress. The government recognized it was impossible to obtain a majority due to opposition from the ecologists, communists, and the Socialist Party, which refused to support the budget after its initial rejection in December 2025.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon described the use of 49.3 as "more democratic and respectful" of parliamentary prerogatives compared to an ordinance budget, which bypasses parliamentary debate entirely.

In reaction, opposition parties including France insoumise and Marine Le Pen's Rassemblement nationale announced their intention to file motions of censure against the budget, criticizing it as irresponsible. However, the Socialist Party reportedly will not support these motions, considering the 49.3 invocation the "least bad solution" and citing concessions won during negotiations. This stance effectively secures Lecornu’s continuation as Prime Minister, with the Socialist Party's non-censure action providing critical support.

The finance bill’s adoption is expected in the coming days, marking a tentative resolution in the ongoing political struggle over France’s 2026 budget framework.