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.

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.