Overview

• Prime Minister François Bayrou invoked Article 49.3 twice to push through the 2025 state and social security budgets without a parliamentary vote.
• The Socialist Party chose not to support motions of censure filed by left-wing groups, ensuring the survival of Bayrou's government for now.
• Key budget measures include increased taxes on gas boilers and airline tickets, as well as expanded eligibility for zero-interest loans for homebuyers.
• Critics, particularly from left-wing parties, argue the budget prioritizes austerity, citing significant cuts to education, labor, and environmental funding compared to previous proposals.
• Bayrou's use of 49.3 highlights ongoing political challenges in securing consensus, with further parliamentary battles expected in the coming days.