France’s New Prime Minister Rejects Constitutional Shortcut, Seeks Parliamentary Compromise on Budget

France’s new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Friday he will not use Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass the 2026 budget without a parliamentary vote, opting instead to pursue compromise with lawmakers across the political spectrum. Appointed last month after political turmoil over spending cuts toppled his predecessor, Lecornu faces a fragmented parliament without a majority and aims to build alliances, particularly with the moderate left and conservatives, to address key issues like pensions, taxation, and immigration ahead of a general policy speech next week.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale