French Prime Minister François Bayrou Faces Budget Battle in National Assembly
French Prime Minister François Bayrou has kickstarted the process for adopting his 2025 budget proposal without a vote, putting him at risk of a motion of censure by the left, which is scheduled for a vote next Wednesday. Just two months into his term, Bayrou finds himself navigating a political landscape reminiscent of his predecessor, conservative Michel Barnier, as he faces challenges from both the socialists and the far-right in a National Assembly where he lacks a majority.
In a stark reminder of the current crisis, Bayrou stated, "No country can live without budgets, and France less so. For the first time in nearly 70 years, our country does not have a budget in February." He emphasized that this could tarnish France's image as a leading democracy, a key player in the EU.
The Prime Minister warned that the absence of a budget would significantly hinder public action, stalling hiring and investments, while asserting that under his proposed budget, the public deficit would decrease to 54%, in light of a projected 0.9% growth in GDP and a 1.4% inflation rate. Bayrou insisted that while no budget is flawless, it had been negotiated with various political groups and represented a balanced solution. He urged approval of the budget as a display of responsibility and stability for the French citizens.
Even though the accounts are likely to be approved unless the left's motion of censure gains momentum, the Socialist Party's leadership has chosen not to support the motion. However, some of their 66 deputies have hinted at defying party discipline, creating uncertainty regarding the final outcome.
The far-right party, led by Marine Le Pen, has stated that it will announce its stance on the motion of censure on Wednesday after meeting with its deputies, a decision that could prove crucial if socialists vote against party lines.
The Socialist Party's decision marks a significant fracture in the left's electoral alliance, which previously boasted the largest parliamentary block of 192 deputies within the so-called New Popular Front. This rift was met with sharp criticism from Jean-Luc Mélenchon's La France Insoumise (LFI), whose parliamentary leader blasted the socialists for their decision, characterizing it as a betrayal that aligns them with Bayrou's administration.
The leadership of the PS rationalized their stance by emphasizing the pressing need for a budget amid the current crisis, stating, "Out of a spirit of responsibility in the interest of the French people, we are not going to vote for the motion of censure at a time when France needs budgets." Despite this, they asserted that they would introduce their own motion of censure—not against the public accounts but concerning what they perceive as the government's 'trumpization,' particularly following Bayrou's remarks on migration issues.
The criticisms exchanged among the left factions have been severe, with LFI’s Éric Coquerel lambasting the socialists for backing what he termed the "most austerity-driven and harmful text in the country’s history," branding it a policy degradation of public services.
In a further twist, Bayrou has announced plans to adopt the Social Security accounts without a vote, a move that is likely to lead to yet another motion of censure. The unfolding political drama in the National Assembly hints at not only budgetary implications but also the shifting alliances and tensions within leftist politics in France.
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