We are starting to get used to it: only with a relative majority in the National Assembly, the Borne government draws the 49.3 faster than Lucky Luke his revolver. A process that more than two thirds of French people consider “undemocratic”, according to a survey published this Tuesday. Some 70% of French people are of this opinion, while only supporters of political groups in the presidential camp believe, on the contrary, the majority (64%) that it is a “democratic” procedure, according to the Toluna Harris Interactive study. .
The Prime Minister, Elisabeth Borne, activated 49.3 on multiple occasions, including the last time at the end of September to have the 2023-2027 financial programming bill adopted in new reading. Lacking an absolute majority, it is preparing to use it several times for the autumn budgetary texts, each time exposing itself in response to new motions of censure, after having overcome eighteen since the start of the legislature.
49.3 everywhere, democracy nowhere?
Less than half of French people (45%) consider that the use of 49.3 on budgetary texts is justified, according to the study. The percentage is higher for other texts, such as the bill currently being examined on digital technology (55%) or the expected bills on the end of life (49%) or immigration (48% ).
Still favorable (62%) to the relative majority situation in the National Assembly, although less than a year ago (71% in October 2022), 59% of the French believe that the National Assembly well represents the different political forces that exist in France. But only 44% consider that it represents French society well. Asked about the “attitude” of opposition political groups, only 38% believe that it is “constructive”.
Dissolving the Assembly, a less and less desired alternative
Less than a third of French people say they are satisfied with the activity of the various groups, with the exception of that of the National Rally (39% satisfied). The Insoumis deputies are those who record the lowest rate, with 22% satisfied. Furthermore, around one in two French people (51%) consider that the President of the Republic must dissolve the National Assembly (compared to 55% in April).
The Toluna Harris Interactive survey, carried out online from September 19 to 22 on a sample of 1,095 people representative of French adults using the quota method, is part of a quarterly barometer on the way in which the French follow parliamentary news.