NextFin news, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, speaking on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Paris, declared that he would not invoke special constitutional powers to push the 2026 budget through the National Assembly without a parliamentary vote. Instead, he placed the onus on the fragmented French parliament to negotiate and agree on the budget.
Lecornu, who was appointed last month by President Emmanuel Macron and is the fifth prime minister in two years, faces a deeply divided legislature split among three ideological blocs. The prime minister's decision rejects the use of Article 49.3 of the French Constitution, a special clause that allows the government to pass legislation without a vote but exposes it to a no-confidence motion that could topple the government.
By ruling out the use of Article 49.3, Lecornu emphasized the need for parliamentary debate and compromise, stating, "In a functioning parliament – one that's been recently renewed and reflects the face of France – you can't just force things through." He added that lawmakers must take responsibility and power in the budget process.
The prime minister's announcement comes ahead of critical negotiations with political rivals, including the Socialist Party and the far-right Rassemblement National, to pass a slimmed-down 2026 budget before the end-of-year deadline. Lecornu expressed openness to improving unpopular pension reforms and addressing tax fairness, particularly concerning the wealthiest 0.1% of society, though he dismissed proposals like the so-called Zucman tax.
France's ballooning deficit and debt have raised concerns among investors, and the government must balance fiscal responsibility with social and political stability. Lecornu's approach aims to avoid the political fallout experienced by his predecessor, François Bayrou, who used Article 49.3 to pass this year's budget but faced significant opposition.
The prime minister also indicated that he will appoint his government ministers in the coming days and deliver a general policy speech to the National Assembly next week. His strategy seeks to foster dialogue and compromise among lawmakers to ensure the budget's passage without resorting to constitutional shortcuts.
French politics have been turbulent since President Macron called early parliamentary elections in June last year, resulting in a fragmented legislature and challenging governance dynamics. Lecornu's decision to place budget agreement responsibility on parliament marks a significant moment in navigating this complex political landscape.
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