French Prime Minister François Bayrou is facing several no-confidence votes this week after invoking Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to pass the 2025 budget without parliamentary consent.

This constitutional provision enables the government to enact legislation without a vote, but it also allows opposition parties to introduce no-confidence motions in reaction.

On Monday, Bayrou utilized this mechanism to move the budget forward, prompting an immediate response from opposition groups.

The far-left France Unbowed party quickly submitted a no-confidence motion, with votes on the first two motions expected on Wednesday.

The Socialist Party, a key player in the opposition, has announced it will not endorse the no-confidence motions regarding the budget, arguing that France needs to have a budget in place.

Likewise, the far-right National Rally, led by Jordan Bardella, has shown hesitation in supporting the motions, voicing concerns that further political unrest may negatively impact the French economy and citizens.

These events follow a period of political instability in France.

In December, former Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government fell after a no-confidence vote concerning his proposed budget plans.

Bayrou, who took over from Barnier, is now striving to implement a revised budget intended to reduce France's significant deficit.

His plan includes thirty-two billion euros in spending reductions and twenty-one billion euros in tax hikes.

The results of the upcoming no-confidence votes will influence the stability of Bayrou's government and the direction of France's fiscal policy.