French Government Survives No-Confidence Votes, Budget Fight Ahead

France’s minority government survived two no-confidence votes in parliament on Wednesday, avoiding an immediate collapse but heading into another tense confrontation over the 2026 budget that could again test its grip on power.

The motions were tabled separately by the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party and the far-right National Rally (RN), both accusing the government of political mismanagement and criticising its stance on the European Union’s Mercosur trade agreement with South American countries.

Neither motion came close to the 288 votes required to bring down the government in the 577-seat National Assembly. The LFI-led motion won 256 votes, while the RN-backed attempt received 142, according to the official tally. Lawmakers from the Socialist Party and the conservative Republicans declined to support either effort, ensuring the government’s survival.

• French government survives no-confidence votes but faces tough 2026 budget battle
• Divided opposition fails to topple Macron-backed minority government
• Budget fight looms as France risks renewed political instability

The votes highlighted the fragmented nature of France’s parliament, where no single bloc holds a majority and shifting alliances determine the fate of key legislation. While opposition parties share criticism of the executive, they remain divided on strategy and unwilling to unite behind a common alternative.

Attention is now turning to the looming budget battle. France entered 2026 without a fully approved budget after negotiations stalled late last year, forcing the government to rely on temporary measures to keep public spending functioning.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has signalled that the government may resort to using Article 49.3, which allows a budget to be passed without a parliamentary vote but automatically opens the door to further no-confidence motions.

President Emmanuel Macron has urged lawmakers to reach an agreement quickly, warning that prolonged uncertainty could undermine economic confidence and delay key policy measures.

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With opposition parties preparing for another confrontation, the budget debate is expected to revive political tensions in the coming weeks, underscoring the fragile balance sustaining France’s current government.