Archive · 15 Jan 2026
French Government Survives No-Confidence Votes
The French government is facing two no-confidence votes because some political groups don't like a trade deal the EU made with countries in South America.
These votes are not expected to pass, but they show how divided the French parliament is.
After these votes, the government will try to pass a new budget.
The budget talks have been difficult, and the government might use a special rule to pass it without a vote.
This could lead to more no-confidence votes.
The French president wants the budget passed soon, but the parliament is split into three groups with different ideas, making it hard to agree on anything.
French government survives no-confidence votes filed by RN and LFI over EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
Votes failed with 256 and 142 votes in favor, respectively, short of the required majority.
Government may use Article 49.3 to pass the 2026 budget without a vote, risking further no-confidence motions.
France's parliament has been hung since 2022, with three distinct ideological blocs.
President Macron aims for budget adoption in January, remaining neutral on the method.
- Who
- French government, RN, LFI, EU member states, Socialist Party, The Republicans
- What
- No-confidence votes over EU-Mercosur trade agreement and upcoming budget talks
- When
- January 14 (votes), January (budget adoption aim)
- Where
- France, European Union
- Why
- Protest against EU-Mercosur trade agreement and to pass the 2026 budget
- No-Confidence Motions
- Filed by RN and LFI
- EU Trade Agreement
- With Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay)
- Voting Time
- Afternoon of January 14
- Government's Plan
- May use Article 49.3 for budget passage
- Current Deficit
- Near 5%
- Parliament Status
- Hung parliament since 2022
- Prime Minister
- Sebastien Lecornu
- President
- Emmanuel Macron
Sources
No-confidence votes test French government as another budget battle looms
French government survives no-confidence vote, now faces another budget battle
French government survives no-confidence votes, now faces another budget battle
French government survives second no-confidence vote over Mercosur trade deal
