The first part of the finance bill was rejected almost unanimously by deputies in the night of November 21 to 22. This unprecedented situation under the Fifth Republic isolates Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, whose dialogue strategy is struggling to yield results. With less than forty days before the constitutional deadline of December 31, the government faces a risk of financial paralysis.
In a period marked by political turbulence, the rejection of the revenues section of the finance bill represents an unprecedented event under the Fifth Republic. Driven by massive abstention from the central bloc, this vote highlights the fragility of the government's majority. Sébastien Lecornu, whom he himself describes as the 'weakest head of government' of this era, has relied on a consultation approach with oppositions and social partners from the outset of his tenure.
This 'Lecornu method' is based on notable concessions, such as abandoning the use of Article 49.3 of the Constitution and suspending pension reform, in hopes of securing at least the neutrality of the Socialist Party (PS). The latter is thus seeking to emancipate itself from La France Insoumise (LFI), reclaiming a central role in the political landscape. However, these efforts have not yet unlocked the situation, leaving the Prime Minister isolated.
Parliamentarians bear part of the responsibility for this deadlock. LFI and the National Rally hope for a government failure to hasten new elections, while the ruling camp and the right have avoided fiscal measures targeting the wealthiest, which could have rallied part of the left. The PS, having secured the renunciation of 49.3 as a priority, now finds itself in a delicate position vis-à-vis its left-wing allies, fearing a trap in any compromise with the center.
Despite this, Lecornu continues his approach by proposing a debate in the National Assembly on five absolute priorities: the deficit, state reform, energy, agriculture, as well as internal and external security. He invites all political groups and social partners to take positions on these issues. The Constitution requires, however, that budget texts be promulgated before December 31 to take effect on January 1. Beyond this deadline, alternatives are limited to ordinances—ruled out by Lecornu—or a 'special law,' as in 2024, which ensures provisional financial operations but heightens economic instability and widens the deficit.
This option, while avoiding total blockage, particularly complicates the increase in defense credits amid the growing Russian threat. Several voices among ecologists and socialists call for a global agreement with the central bloc to pass the budget and exit the crisis.