The French government's austerity budget was rejected without receiving a single vote in favor. Political disagreements over fiscal cuts and ongoing protests against reductions in social welfare spending have cast doubt on the budget's approval by the end of the year.
According to reports from Yonhap News, citing Politico Europe and RFI, the revenue portion of the budget was defeated in a first-round vote in the lower house on the night of November 6, with 458 votes against and 2 abstentions. Both opposition parties and members of President Emmanuel Macron's ruling party voted against it, preventing any discussion on the spending portion.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu presented a budget plan aimed at reducing public spending by approximately €54 billion (about $58 billion). The goal is to lower the budget deficit ratio to 4.8% of GDP, excluding additional defense spending, or 5% if included.
However, the budget failed to gain support from any faction in a parliament lacking a majority, leading to significant amendments. The budget will now proceed to the Senate for discussion starting November 20. Previously, a social security budget was also rejected in the lower house and has moved to the Senate. The Prime Minister's office stated that discussions in the lower house would resume in December after Senate review.
Unions, students, and social organizations, protesting against the deterioration of public services, continue to oppose cuts to social welfare spending while demanding wage increases. If no agreement is reached in the lower house, the government may invoke Article 49.3 of the constitution, allowing it to pass the bill without a vote.
Initially, Lecornu pledged to collaborate with opposition parties without invoking special provisions, but after last year's budget negotiations failed, he resorted to using special provisions. In response, the left-wing LFI and RN parties proposed motions of no confidence against the government, all of which were defeated.
The government may also adopt the budget through executive orders. However, Politico noted that this option is unprecedented in French history.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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