Sébastien Lecornu Renounces Article 49.3 in Budget Strategy Amid Rising Political Tensions

On October 3, 2025, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a strategic shift by renouncing the use of Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the 2026 budget, aiming instead to find compromises and share power with the National Assembly. In a solemn six-minute address at Matignon, Lecornu emphasized the importance of collaboration with opposition parties, urging them to make gestures without compromising their convictions. This approach seeks to avoid the failures of predecessors Michel Barnier and François Bayrou, who struggled with a lack of parliamentary majority, and aims to prevent an alliance between leftist parties and the National Rally (RN) against his government, though Lecornu acknowledged potential political instability (85791).

The announcement provoked mixed political responses. The left, including the Socialist Party and ecologists, cautiously welcomed the decision to forgo Article 49.3, with Olivier Faure, Socialist Party leader, calling this a "true evolution", noting that opposition to 49.3 had become a defining issue for the French left (85838). However, Fabien Roussel of the French Communist Party expressed disappointment at Lecornu's unwillingness to entertain debate over repealing the pension reform, criticizing the absence of 49.3 as limiting legislative debate despite also blocking amendments such as lowering the retirement age from 64 to 62. Roussel remains cautious about supporting the government, awaiting Lecornu's forthcoming political declaration but acknowledged the impact of recent public mobilizations on fiscal justice discussions targeting the wealthy (85782).

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen further intensified political pressure by meeting Lecornu the same day. She unveiled a change in the Rassemblement National's strategy, threatening to initiate a censure motion against Lecornu during his parliamentary speech on October 7 unless he clearly breaks from "macronisme." Although RN president Jordan Bardella was absent, Le Pen's demands create a pivotal challenge for the Prime Minister as he seeks budget approval (85866).

Lecornu’s refusal to rely on the contentious Article 49.3 underscores his commitment to parliamentary dialogue, yet the divided political spectrum and calls for substantive reforms signal a challenging path ahead. The government's stability and ability to pass the 2026 budget now hinge on delicate negotiations amid increasing tension between the ruling party and opposition forces.