French PM survives first no-confidence vote over disputed budget

The Assemblée Nationale on January 23, 2026. JULIEN MUGUET / JULIEN MUGUET POUR LE MONDE

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu survived a no-confidence vote on Friday, January 23, following his move to force his budget through Parliament, in a symbolic victory with more such challenges expected.

Lecornu on Tuesday used Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to ram part of the 2026 budget through the Assemblée Nationale without a vote, after making concessions to gain the backing of the Socialists. The key swing group showed their support on Friday by blocking the no-confidence motion filed by the hard left from passing. A second no-confidence motion filed by the far right was also blocked.

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