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2h ago

France Suspends Budget Debates as Government Sets Tuesday Deadline for 49.3 or Ordinances

Matignon now deems a normal vote impossible, forcing a choice of an exceptional mechanism to secure the 2026 budget.

Image
General view of the hemicycle during a debate before votes on two no-confidence motions against the French government tabled by members of parliament of La France Insoumise (France Unbowed - LFI) and the Rassemblement National (National Rally - RN), in response to the government's handling of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, during a session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, January 14, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Le scénario du passage en force gagne du terrain dans les rangs du gouvernement [Magali Cohen / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP]
Mercosur : Sébastien Lecornu échappe à la censure

Overview

  • Debates slated for Friday and Monday were canceled and moved to Tuesday, and ministers were told to remain available for a possible extraordinary cabinet meeting this weekend.
  • The prime minister’s entourage says the method will be decided by Tuesday, with no definitive budget expected before mid‑February regardless of the path chosen.
  • Matignon blames continued obstruction by RN and LFI and will table proposals Friday to demonstrate a compromise is possible to avert censure, noting the deficit stands at 5.3% versus a 5% target.
  • Government sources cited by Europe 1 indicate 49.3 is now the likelier option, while RN, LFI, the Communists and the Greens vow to back censure motions that could hinge on LR or the Socialists.
  • Passing the budget by ordinances under Article 47 would be unprecedented under the Fifth Republic and fraught with legal uncertainty, drawing sharp criticism from jurists and lawmakers.