News|PoliticsFrench PM Lecornu survives no-confidence parliament vote, now eyes budgetThe two motions were tabled by the far-right National Rally and far-left France Unbowed parties, but failed to pass thanks to support for Lecornu from the Socialist Party.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has successfully navigated two confidence motions following the recent appointment of his new government, which was completed in time to submit a draft budget to parliament. This move aims to address ongoing…
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has successfully navigated two confidence motions following the recent appointment of his new government, which was completed in time to submit a draft budget to parliament. This move aims to address ongoing political challenges in France.
A motion introduced by the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, was defeated in the National Assembly. It received support from only 144 lawmakers in the 577-seat body.
Previously, a motion initiated by the far-left France Unbowed party garnered support from 271 lawmakers, falling short of the 289 needed for a majority.
These votes occurred after Prime Minister Lecornu decided on Tuesday to support the suspension of a controversial 2023 pension reform. This decision aims to maintain cabinet stability long enough to pass the essential 2026 austerity budget by year-end.
The Socialist Party had previously threatened to withdraw support if the pension reform, which proposed raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, was not halted.
Following the unsuccessful motions, Socialist Party lawmaker Laurent Baumel emphasized that avoiding a government collapse does not ensure future agreements, urging further negotiations in upcoming budget discussions.
A motion introduced by the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, was defeated in the National Assembly.
Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly and Macron ally, expressed optimism, highlighting the Assembly's collaborative spirit.
Lecornu, France's fifth prime minister in less than two years, faces the task of guiding a cost-cutting budget through a divided parliament by the year's end.
The confidence votes followed a significant period of political activity in France.
Under pressure from the European Union to address deficit and debt levels, France is confronted with challenges over fiscal measures that previously led to the resignation of Lecornu's predecessors. France's debt-to-GDP ratio is notably high within the EU, following Greece and Italy.
Lecornu has committed to avoiding the use of a constitutional tool that bypasses parliamentary votes on budgets, promoting open debate and voting on all legislative proposals.
Marine Le Pen criticized lawmakers for their decision, suggesting fear of elections influenced their votes. She anticipates potential gains for the far-right in the 2027 presidential election.
Should Lecornu's government fail, it may prompt President Macron to dissolve Parliament and call for elections, a scenario that could benefit the far-right. This political uncertainty has affected Macron's domestic and international image.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.