French Prime Minister François Bayrou has pushed through the 2025 budget bill without a parliamentary vote, invoking a special constitutional procedure that could trigger a no-confidence motion against his government.
Addressing the National Assembly on Monday, February 3, Bayrou announced that he would use Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the budget without a vote.
This marks the first time his government has resorted to this procedure, which was necessary due to deep divisions within the fractured parliament. However, Article 49.3 also allows opposition parties to call a no-confidence vote—an option that previously led to the dismissal of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier.
Bayrou urged lawmakers not to topple his government and to approve the budget.
“If you choose this course of action, which is in your hands, France will have its budget within 10 days. This will send a signal of responsibility and stability to those most concerned—to those who rightfully worry—to our fellow citizens,” he emphasized.
Bayrou also used the same constitutional procedure to pass the 2025 social security budget, bypassing a parliamentary vote.
The far-left La France Insoumise party has already announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against Bayrou’s government, which is expected to be put to a vote on Wednesday, February 5.
