France’s national budget: Lecornu emerges as an increasingly independent prime minister

After months of arduous negotiations, the approval of France’s national budget on Monday evening has granted President Emmanuel Macron a brief – if fragile – window of political stability, brokered by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

03. February 2026
Results on No-Confidence Motions at the National Assembly - Paris French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu waves after the results appearing on a screen of the vote on no-confidence motions against the 2026 finance bill, after the government triggered Article 49.3 of the Constitution, at the National Assembly in Paris on February 2, 2026
Sébastien Lecornu appeared relieved after narrowly surviving two motions of no confidence in parliament. (IMAGO / ABACAPRESS)

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Last updated: 03. February 2026