France’s debate over the 2027 state budget is bogged down in the National Assembly, leaving Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu facing uncertainty over how to move the bill forward. The government has not set out a clear course as lawmakers approach a vote expected to reject the budget’s revenue section.
The possibility of using ordinances has emerged amid speculation that the government may allow the parliamentary debate to run its course before implementing its original text. Some figures in the governing camp and the opposition reportedly see this route as safer than invoking Article 49.3.
Lecornu, who was highly visible in the Assembly during the previous budget debate, has taken a more restrained role this time. Constitutional law scholar Jean-Philippe Derosier described the approach as letting Parliament conduct its debate. The government’s handling has drawn concern from lawmakers and observers, including Senate budget rapporteur Jean-François Husson, who said the process lacked direction.
The debate has already produced setbacks for the government. On October 27, Assembly members from the governing camp rejected a proposed surcharge on large companies included in the finance bill. Constitutional law academic Benjamin Morel also pointed to what he described as limited engagement between the government and parliamentarians.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.