Yaël Braun-Pivet Proposes Overhaul of Budget Examination Rules to Foster Parliamentary Compromise

Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, has called for a fundamental reform of the rules governing budget examination in the legislature to enhance efficiency and cultivate a culture of compromise, as reported by both Le Figaro and Le Monde on November 20, 2025. Braun-Pivet voiced concern over procedural constraints, including the constitutional deadlines that conflict with the growing number of amendments, which ultimately prevent the Assembly from voting on budget legislation in a timely manner.

Highlighting increased participation and longer debate hours in recent sessions, she nonetheless noted that the budget for Social Security was recently forwarded to the Senate without a comprehensive vote, and the State budget faces similar risks due to time limitations. To address these challenges, Braun-Pivet advocates implementing a “programmed legislative time” system that would set a fixed number of debating hours while allowing unlimited amendments, aiming to balance thorough review with procedural efficiency.

She also proposed thematic sequencing of budget discussions to move away from the conventional focus on revenue before expenses, thereby avoiding the impression that Parliament only debates taxes. Furthermore, Braun-Pivet emphasized strengthening the role of parliamentary commissions so that the text debated in the chamber better reflects committee work rather than the initial government draft.

Recognizing that some of these reforms could require broader political agreement or constitutional amendments, Braun-Pivet intends to discuss these proposals with Senate President Gérard Larcher and President Emmanuel Macron. Her approach underscores a commitment to parliamentary engagement, aligning with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's commitment to avoid Article 49.3 of the Constitution, which bypasses votes.

Braun-Pivet concluded that this budget cycle should be the last conducted under the current constraints, urging modifications to legislative practices to better reconcile procedural rules with democratic deliberation.