French Premier Forces Through Budget, Risking Censure Vote

  • France has been using a stopgap budget to avoid a shutdown
  • There will likely be a no-confidence vote on Wednesday

Francois Bayrou speaks during the 2025 budget bill session in the National Assembly in Paris, on Feb. 3.

Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
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French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou forced the adoption of a 2025 budget bill by bypassing the lower house of parliament on Monday, using a constitutional provision that will likely trigger a no-confidence vote.

The far-left France Unbowed has already said it will file the no-confidence motion, that will likely come to a vote Wednesday. The Socialist leadership said it won’t support the motion, which — if party members follow the guidance — will keep the government from collapsing.