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Lecornu Triggers Third 49.3 to Push France’s 2026 Budget After Senate Rebuff

The move leans on a fragile non‑censure pact with the Socialists, clearing the way for final no‑confidence votes next week.

Overview

  • The Senate short‑circuited debate by passing a motion of rejection 203–32, sending the finance bill straight back to the National Assembly.
  • La France insoumise and the National Rally filed censure motions set for debate Monday at 17:00, which the government expects to survive thanks to PS backing and centre‑right abstentions.
  • The final budget targets a 2026 public‑deficit level near 5% of GDP and extends a surtax on large‑company profits slated to raise about €7.3 billion.
  • Measures include €1 meals for students, an increase to the in‑work benefit and higher housing aid, alongside a €6.5 billion boost for Defence, a €1.1 billion trim to France 2030 and the loss of 4,000 teaching posts.
  • Cross‑party critics decry repeated 49.3 use and the accelerated Senate pass, while the government argues the compromise ends uncertainty before Constitutional Council review and expected mid‑February promulgation.