French Prime Minister Plans to Push Budget Through Parliament in Bold Move

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou intends to use special constitutional powers to push through the 2025 budget, despite the risk of triggering a no-confidence vote.

In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche media on Feb. 2, Bayrou announced his decision to employ a controversial constitutional mechanism known as Article 49.3 to pass legislation without parliamentary approval.

Bayrou emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Now we must proceed directly to adoption. A country like ours cannot function without a budget. The only way to ensure this is to hold the government accountable.”

Article 49.3

However, this move carries significant risks.

Article 49.3 grants the government the authority to enact legislation without a vote, intended to circumvent gridlocks on critical issues. Yet, it also provides opposition parties with the opportunity to introduce motions of no confidence.

Bayrou finds himself navigating a polarized parliament, making it increasingly challenging for the government to pass the 2025 budget. France is set to implement spending cuts totaling 60 billion euros (around $62.6 billion) and increase taxes to address its escalating fiscal deficit.

Centrist politician Bayrou assumed the role of French prime minister in December 2024, yet his grip on power is tenuous.

During an interview on French news channel LCI on Jan. 27, Bayrou expressed concerns about the potential impact of immigration on France.

He reiterated his views on immigration in the French Senate on Jan. 29, prompting accusations from Socialist parliamentary leader Boris Vallaud of echoing far-right rhetoric.

Bayrou defended his stance, highlighting the challenges posed by illegal immigration in certain French regions.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.