Bayrou Survives Third Motion of Censure, Invokes Another 49.3 to Advance Budget

The French Prime Minister narrowly avoids censure while pushing forward contentious Social Security budget measures.

The National Assembly rejected a third motion of censure against Prime Minister François Bayrou, with only 115 votes in favor, far short of the 289 needed.
The motion was brought by La France insoumise in response to Bayrou's use of Article 49.3 to bypass parliamentary approval for the Social Security budget's revenue section.
Bayrou immediately invoked another 49.3 to force through the expenditure section of the budget, prompting plans for a fourth motion of censure later this week.
Key concessions in the budget include increased health spending by 3.3% and the removal of proposed increases to patient costs, but the deficit is now projected to rise to €23 billion in 2025.
The Socialist Party, while not supporting the motions of censure, plans to introduce its own to challenge Bayrou's controversial rhetoric on immigration.