François Bayrou Triggers Article 49.3 to Pass State and Social Security Budgets

Prime Minister François Bayrou announced on Saturday, February 1st, his decision to invoke Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the State and Social Security budgets in the National Assembly. Facing parliamentary deadlock, he justified this move by emphasizing the need for financial stability: “A country like ours cannot remain without a budget. The only way is to invoke the government’s responsibility. This will be done on Monday.”

Deputies will first review the conclusions of the Joint Committee (CMP) on the State budget on Monday afternoon, marking the first use of Article 49.3. They will then proceed with the new reading of the Social Security budget, expected to be finalized by Friday, requiring a second use of this constitutional mechanism.

Risk of a No-Confidence Vote and a Historic Agreement

Bayrou’s announcement has sparked opposition. La France Insoumise has already confirmed it will file a motion of no confidence, backed by the Communists and the Greens. Meanwhile, the National Rally and the Socialist Party have yet to reveal their stance. The Socialists, engaged in ongoing budget negotiations with the government, now find themselves at the center of attention. However, Bayrou believes a no-confidence vote would be “met with anger by the French people” and recalls that the Socialists “acknowledged the efforts made” after the CMP discussions.

The Joint Committee, which brings together deputies and senators, adopted a common version of the budget that reconciles differing viewpoints. The Prime Minister described this agreement as “historic,” highlighting that “this is the first time political factions with different perspectives have agreed on a budget proposal together.”

With the adoption of this budget, the government aims to maintain the public deficit at 5.4% of GDP, reaffirming its fiscal commitments. The National Assembly now has ten days to decide on these crucial financial measures.