Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu Renounces Use of Article 49.3, Sparking Mixed Political Reactions
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's decision to renounce Article 49.3 has triggered varied political responses, highlighting tensions over parliamentary governance and key reforms.
- • Sébastien Lecornu announced he will no longer use Article 49.3 to pass laws without parliamentary vote.
- • La France insoumise plans a motion of censure against Lecornu’s government despite the renouncement.
- • The Communist Party found immediate censure "harsh" given the context of relinquishing 49.3.
- • The Socialist Party demands a new vote on the 2023 pension reform, considering Lecornu's move insufficient.
Key details
On October 3, 2025, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced he would no longer use Article 49.3 of the Constitution — a mechanism that allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote — signaling a significant shift in French legislative governance. This declaration came during political consultations on the 2026 budget at Matignon and has elicited diverse reactions from across the French political spectrum.
Lecornu called on all political parties to collaborate to advance the country, framing the renouncement as an opportunity for more parliamentary debate and responsible governance. However, opposition parties expressed varied responses to this move.
La France insoumise (LFI), led by Manuel Bompard, intends to file a motion of censure against Lecornu’s government upon its appointment, criticizing him for alleged alignment with the far-right. In contrast, the Communist Party (PCF) leader Fabien Roussel described immediate censure as “harsh,” especially considering the government’s renouncement of a tool previously supported by many on the left. The Socialist Party (PS), while not planning an immediate censure, considered Lecornu’s move insufficient, demanding a new parliamentary vote on the controversial 2023 pension reform, which had earlier been passed using 49.3.
Marine Le Pen of the Rassemblement National welcomed Lecornu’s decision as a “respectful” gesture toward democracy but voiced that she would wait for his upcoming policy speech to evaluate the government's overall direction. Meanwhile, Les Républicains' Bruno Retailleau voiced concerns about the possibility of a “coalition of demagogues” if a clear parliamentary majority does not materialize.
The budget itself and the handling of issues such as pensions and cost of living remain key points of contention. Leftist figures, including Olivier Faure of the PS and Fabien Roussel, criticized the government for insufficient progress on fiscal justice and socio-economic reforms. The political atmosphere remains tense, with key parliamentary debates and motions of censure anticipated in the coming days.
Lecornu’s announcement marks a notable attempt to encourage parliamentary engagement and dialogue, yet the divided reactions underscore the complex dynamics in France’s current political landscape.