Sébastien Lecornu's Shift: No More Article 49.3 for Budget 2026
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a major shift by renouncing article 49.3 for the 2026 budget, aiming for greater parliamentary engagement.
- • Lecornu renounces article 49.3 for budget engagement.
- • The decision aims to foster compromise with opposition parties.
- • Historically, 49.3 was used to pass all budgets since 2022.
- • Critics argue the government still has other means of power.
Key details
In a significant policy shift, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced on October 3, 2025, that the government will not invoke article 49.3 of the French Constitution for the 2026 budget. This constitutional provision allows the government to pass legislation without a parliamentary vote, and its prior use has been a cornerstone of the government's legislative strategy since Emmanuel Macron's re-election in 2022, due to a lack of majority support in the Assembly.
Lecornu's decision aims to engage opposition parties more constructively and avoid government censure. He stated, "As the government can no longer interrupt debates, there is no excuse for these discussions not to start next week," signaling a commitment to parliamentary dialogue. This marks a notable shift in strategy as the Prime Minister recognizes that effective governance will require building compromises with opposition factions, including the National Rally and leftist parties.
Historically, article 49.3 has facilitated the passage of critical national budgets, but its abolition for the current budget cycle illustrates an acknowledgment of increased parliamentary power amid a fragmented legislature. Lecornu described the current political climate as "the most parliamentary moment of the Fifth Republic," emphasizing that the government must adapt its governance methods.
He indicated plans to propose a list of government members willing to participate in a new collaborative governance model with the National Assembly, aiming to foster bipartisan discussions on pressing issues, including pension reforms. Lecornu also hinted at upcoming policy announcements aimed at addressing hardships and promoting gender-related reforms in pension schemes.
Critics like Socialist deputy Boris Vallaud expressed skepticism, arguing that while renouncing article 49.3 is a step forward, the government retains other constitutional mechanisms to maintain decision-making authority in Parliament. Ultimately, this announcement signals a critical pivot towards more inclusive political engagement as the government seeks to navigate a complex legislative landscape.