Particle.news

French Government Survives Twin No-Confidence Votes Over EUMercosur Deal

The failed censure bids shift attention to a January budget push that could be forced through under Article 49.3.

Overview

  • The motions from France Unbowed and the National Rally, lodged over the planned EU trade accord with Mercosur, fell short of the threshold to topple Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.
  • The LFI motion drew 256 votes, 32 short of passage, while the RN motion received 142 votes, according to published tallies.
  • The Socialist Party and The Republicans declined to support censure, citing disagreements over strategy and venue for opposing the trade pact.
  • Government figures now refocus on passing the 2026 finance bill, with a government source saying Article 49.3 is an option to enact it without a vote after cross-party talks excluding RN and LFI.
  • EU governments have authorized the deal’s signing with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, with a formal ceremony expected in Paraguay on Saturday as French farmers continue tractor protests and local officials press for avoiding South American beef in school meals.