France says parliament approval of budget 'impossible'
The eurozone's second-largest economy has been bogged down in political crisis since President Emmanuel Macron called snap polls in 2024, in which he lost his majority.
In a bid to survive being toppled by parliament like his two predecessors, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu last year pledged to seek parliament approval for a 2026 austerity budget -- and not ram it through without a vote.
He managed to get a bill on social security spending approved by year end, but lawmakers have failed to reach a compromise on state expenses.
Lecornu's office said late Thursday that it would be "impossible to adopt a budget by a vote" and that it would be looking at two alternative options.
One is to use a constitutional power under "Article 49.3" to push the legislation through parliament without a vote, as for previous budgets.
That can trigger a no-confidence vote, which could topple the government and its spending bill with it.
Lecornu would have to reach a deal with the Socialists -- a key swing group -- to avoid this scenario.
The other option is for the first time issuing a decree that forces the budget directly into law.
That too could trigger a no-confidence vote, but the budget would survive even if the cabinet was ousted.
The government has suspended further budget debates until Tuesday.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have emerged exasperated after months of back and forth, and are looking for to a swift resolution.
"I'm tired of having the same debate over and over again," said right-wing Republicans lawmaker Marie-Christine Dalloz.
"I'm really looking forward to the end of this episode."
Greens member of parliament Steevy Gustave said he felt like a "robot" repeating the same thing every day.
"If only there had been results, some compromises -- but no," he said.