Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
3mo ago

French PM to Force Budget Through Parliament, Risks No-Confidence Vote

Prime Minister François Bayrou to invoke Article 49.3 to pass contentious 2025 budget as opposition factions weigh no-confidence motion.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou speaks during the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
Press photographers focus on French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivering his general policy speech, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at the National Assembly in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy speech, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at the National Assembly in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, January 22, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

Overview

  • Prime Minister François Bayrou plans to use Article 49.3 of the French constitution to bypass a parliamentary vote on the 2025 budget, citing the urgent need for fiscal stability.
  • The proposed budget includes measures to reduce France's deficit to 5.4% of GDP, featuring €50 billion in savings through spending cuts and tax increases.
  • Opposition parties, including France Unbowed, the Greens, and the Communists, have announced plans to file a no-confidence motion, with the Socialists and National Rally undecided on their support.
  • The Socialists have secured concessions, such as maintaining 4,000 teaching jobs and limiting cuts to medical aid for migrants, but remain divided over whether to back the government.
  • Business leaders have criticized the budget's corporate tax hikes, warning of potential economic harm, while the government argues that passing the budget is essential to restoring economic confidence.