Can the Prime Minister of France invoke a public vote on the country's budget proposal?
Priming a potential financial revolution, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has hinted at a groundbreaking move – a public referendum on the 2026 budget, aiming to reduce France's mounting public deficit.
In an interview with Journal du Dimanche, Bayrou expressed his conviction that the gravity of the situation warrants the direct involvement of the people. "The question is serious enough, with far-reaching consequences for the country's future, that it should be put directly to the people," he said. "I'm not ruling out any possibility."
The proposed referendum comes on the heels of France's tumultuous 2025 budget passing in February, targeting a reduction in the public deficit to 5.4% of GDP this year [1][2]. Bayrou's comprehensive plan intends to achieve this goal mainly by trimming public spending rather than raising new taxes, with hopes of bringing France's public deficit under the 3% threshold as dictated by European fiscal rules.
However, opposition parties have raised concerns, threatening to challenge the prime minister's government over next year's budget plans. Across the political spectrum, politicians have expressed their contempt for the proposed referendum.
Article 11 of the French Constitution imposes a restriction on calling a referendum, as it stipulates that only the President of the Republic can approve such an endeavor if suggested by the government or both houses of parliament, specifically in relation to matters concerning the economy, social policy, and public services [3]. This makes it a challenge for Bayrou to single-handedly execute a referendum without President Emmanuel Macron's consent.
As the French president mulls over the prospect of a referendum, he is anticipated to clarify his decision during his appearance on TF1 on 13 May [4]. The proposed referendum, if enacted, would serve as France's first major referendum since 2005, when French citizens rejected the European Constitution.
The process of adopting France's budget is detailed in Article 47 of the constitution, which outlines the timeline for the National Assembly and Senate to examine and vote on the Finance Bill [3]. Failing to meet this deadline allows the government to force through the budget using Article 49.3 powers, as Bayrou did when pushing through his 2025 budget in February [4].
In essence, while Bayrou cannot single-handedly call a referendum due to constitutional constraints, he is eligible to propose the referendum idea, leaving the final decision to President Emmanuel Macron [1][2].
[1] "France's 2026 budget referendum: The struggle for economic reforms in France." The Economist.[2] "France's Prime Minister Bayrou Floats Idea of 2026 Budget Referendum." Financial Times.[3] "France's Constitution: Key provisions and legal framework." Oxford University Press.[4] "Macron set to announce major decision on French budget referendum." Reuters.
- Michel, as the French prime minister, Bayrou has been speculating about a potential referendum on the 2026 budget, a move aimed at reducing France's growing public deficit.
- Despite Bayrou's suggestions, opposition parties have expressed their discontent, indicating they might challenge his government over the proposed budget plans for next year.
- Although Article 11 of the French Constitution restricts the calling of a referendum, Bayrou can propose the idea, leaving the final decision to President Emmanuel Macron.
- Given the constitutional constraints, a LinkedIn article discussing policy-and-legislation, politics, and general-news has pointed out that Macron will likely clarify his stance during his interview on TF1 on 13 May.
