Same strategy, same result. The National Assembly rejected on the night of Thursday to Friday, in an almost deserted hemicycle, the motion of censure of La France insoumise filed in response to 49.3 triggered by Elisabeth Borne on the “expenses” part and the entire project finance law for the 2024 budget.
This 24th motion of censure against the Prime Minister obtained 167 votes, far from the 289 required to bring down the government. This rejection constitutes adoption at first reading of the Finance Bill (PLF).
The text will now continue its journey to the Senate, where it is expected in the chamber from November 23.
“French use” of 49.3
Only 78 deputies had signed the motion, the LFI group and a handful of PCF deputies, a sign of the weariness of the deputies in the face of the government’s litany of 49.3 such as motions of censure of rebellious France. The Prime Minister did not fail to point out the low number of signatories to the motion, “new proof” according to her of the “divisions” of the left-wing Nupes alliance.
Criticizing a “frantic use” of this tool, much more systematic than during the governments of Michel Rocard, Edith Cresson and Pierre Bérégovoy (1988 to 1993) who also did not have a majority, she basically accused France rebellious for wanting “austerity” with the “major tax increases” she is proposing.
She welcomed the fact that the government managed to have its end-of-management finance bill voted on at first reading on Wednesday without 49.3.
“If I were in your place, I would put all the State’s resources into action to ensure that no child sleeps outside tonight. But no, you, you make 49.3 for the rich,” MP Antoine Léaument (LFI) told him in the introduction.
Extended fuel allowance
The use of the constitutional weapon of 49.3 allows the government to retain in its final copy the amendments at its convenience.
He retained several proposals from the opposition. Thus, at the request of the independent Liot group and Horizons deputies, the fuel allowance of 100 euros will be extended to 1.6 million additional beneficiaries, to reach a total cost of around 600 million euros.
On the education side, 30 million euros will be allocated to the creation of anti-harassment brigades within academies, with an amendment from MoDem – an issue which the government has made a priority.
But deputies from all sides criticize the government for paying little attention to the majority votes obtained in committee or in the hemicycle, and sometimes for retaining amendments which were not even the subject of discussion in Parliament.
“The oppositions are furious” but “it also creates” “acrimony” and a “slightly deleterious atmosphere” in the Renaissance group, confides a Macronist executive.