Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's administration maintains its threat to dissolve the National Assembly if censured over the Mercosur deal or 2026 budget, with snap elections prepared alongside March municipals to deter PS and LR support for opposition motions. As previously reported, Hollande and Barnier criticize the tactic; PS confirms no censure backing and eyes Monday budget talks.
Building on Friday's announcement tasking Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez with organizing legislative elections on March 15 and 22—coinciding with municipal polls—the government seeks to stabilize its position in a fragmented Assembly. This pressures moderates amid RN and LFI's no-confidence motions on the EU-Mercosur treaty, approved despite France's opposition.
The 2026 budget, rejected in committee on Saturday, heads to full Assembly debate starting Tuesday. PS leader Olivier Faure reiterated his party's refusal to support Mercosur censures, citing France's negative vote, and announced Monday negotiations at Bercy for concessions like a corporate profits surtax, ecological funding, and activity bonuses.
Former President François Hollande labeled the threat 'absurd,' warning of interference with local elections and advocating Article 49.3 for swift budget passage over ordinances. LR's Michel Barnier decried it as 'hostage-taking' of democratic municipals, urging compromises without unfunded spending.
