France's Prime Minister Pushes Through Budget Bill Amid Controversy
In a move that has sparked opposition from hardline politicians, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu invoked Article 49.3 of the Constitution on Tuesday to push through part of a contentious budget bill without holding a vote in parliament.
The decision comes after the government faced mounting criticism for the budget's proposed tax increases and spending cuts, which many see as benefiting only large corporations and wealthy individuals at the expense of ordinary citizens. The opposition is now likely to face two formal challenges: one from the hard-left France Unbowed party, which has vowed to hold a no-confidence vote, and another from the far-right National Rally party.
The government's decision to bypass parliamentary approval for the budget bill sets a worrying precedent for French democracy, with many critics warning that it will embolden authoritarian tendencies in politics. As the opposition gears up to challenge the government's move, one thing is clear: this is far from over.
In a move that has sparked opposition from hardline politicians, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu invoked Article 49.3 of the Constitution on Tuesday to push through part of a contentious budget bill without holding a vote in parliament.
The decision comes after the government faced mounting criticism for the budget's proposed tax increases and spending cuts, which many see as benefiting only large corporations and wealthy individuals at the expense of ordinary citizens. The opposition is now likely to face two formal challenges: one from the hard-left France Unbowed party, which has vowed to hold a no-confidence vote, and another from the far-right National Rally party.
The government's decision to bypass parliamentary approval for the budget bill sets a worrying precedent for French democracy, with many critics warning that it will embolden authoritarian tendencies in politics. As the opposition gears up to challenge the government's move, one thing is clear: this is far from over.