French Government Poised to Trigger 49.3 to Pass 2026 Budget as Early as This Weekend

Overview

• The executive is leaning toward using article 49.3 to force through the budget without a vote, with an extraordinary Council of Ministers possible this weekend, according to Europe 1 and other outlets.
• Ministers have been told to remain available, and Lecornu’s team says a final decision on 49.3 or ordinances is expected by Tuesday.
• Matignon has concluded a parliamentary adoption is unattainable after a chaotic second reading that saw inconsistent votes, including a major corporate surtax defeated and a surprise cut to local grants.
• Opposition groups plan censure motions in response to a 49.3, with RN, LFI, the Communists and Greens committed to vote for them, while LR and the Socialists remain the pivotal undecided blocs.
• The ordinance option under article 47 is still discussed but would be unprecedented and legally uncertain, whereas 49.3 would pass the text unless a successful censure brings down the government.