Macron strong-arms French parliament into adopting budget
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Loading... - Michael Fischer
- 03 Nov 2022
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Emmanuel Macron’s government triggered an emergency political mechanism Wednesday to push through France’s 2023 budget, overruling the parliament’s lower chamber in a contentious standoff in what is the clearest sign yet of the president’s weakened position in his second term.
The government cut short debates and activated article 49.3 in the National Assembly to get the budget approved, shutting down opposition parties’ attempts to pass highly symbolic measures such as a tax on so-called super-dividends — indirectly targeting profits linked to soaring energy prices.
While the move had long been expected, it confirms the failure of Macron’s stated bid to build alliances and cooperate with opposition parties after his party lost an absolute majority in France’s parliamentary elections in June. Macron launched a series of talks with opposition leaders and vowed to seek “new compromises” following the June vote.
Instead, the blame game ramped up in parliament with Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne accusing the opposition of creating “a blockage” and the opposition arguing the government has failed to engage with opponents. Read More...
