Title: The French government once again uses article 49.3 to pass a public finance programming bill
Introduction :
The French government recently caused a stir by using Article 49.3 of the Constitution to pass its public finance programming bill in the National Assembly. This decision quickly provoked reactions from the opposition, which announced the tabling of a motion of censure. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for this use of section 49.3, the opposition’s criticisms and the issues related to this bill.
Explanation of article 49.3:
Article 49.3 of the French Constitution allows the government to adopt a text without a vote in the National Assembly, except in the event of a motion of censure. Élisabeth Borne, Prime Minister, justified this appeal by emphasizing the importance of this public finance programming law for the economic stability of the country. However, the left-wing opposition strongly criticized this decision, denouncing a harmful economic orientation for French citizens.
Opposition reactions:
The left-wing Nupes alliance immediately announced the tabling of a motion of censure, denouncing the savings planned at the expense of the French in this bill. The left-wing parties express deep bitterness following the use of article 49.3 during the pension reform last March. Elected officials The Republicans, for their part, should not table a motion of censure, preferring to abstain.
Challenges of the public finance programming bill:
This text, distinct from the State and Social Security budgets, defines France’s budgetary trajectory for the period 2023-2027. In particular, it provides for a reduction in the public deficit and debt, in accordance with European objectives. However, the High Council of Public Finances criticized this trajectory as unambitious and based on optimistic growth hypotheses. In addition, the opposition questions the obligation to provide a trajectory to Brussels to obtain European funds.
Conclusion :
The French government’s decision to use article 49.3 to pass its public finance programming bill sparked strong reactions from the opposition. Criticisms focus in particular on the savings planned at the expense of French citizens and the optimistic growth hypotheses on which the project is based. The issues linked to this public finance programming law are important, both at the economic and European level.