French Prime Minister François Bayrou successfully navigated his third no-confidence vote in less than a month. This ensured the adoption of the controversial 2025 budget plan. His survival of the vote means that the government’s fiscal proposal will proceed. This proposal includes a €30 billion spending cut and a €20 billion tax increase to reduce the deficit to 5.4% of GDP.

Controversial Measures Spark Political Tensions

The French government’s decision to push the budget through parliament using the constitutional Article 49.3 tool sparked significant political backlash. The hard-left France Unbowed Party (LFI), the Greens, and Communists, all part of the left-wing NFP coalition, backed the no-confidence motion. However, the motion fell short of the 288 votes needed. This was due to the Socialists and far-right refraining from supporting it.

Despite opposition, the budget’s automatic adoption has highlighted deep divisions within the NFP. There have been accusations of betrayal and political maneuvering. While the Socialists criticized the approach, they opted not to push the government to a crisis. They stated the need for stability in the country’s governance.

The coming months are expected to be turbulent as the government faces ongoing opposition and attempts to balance fiscal responsibility with political compromise.