France's 2027 budget battle: How the standoff could unfold

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's minority government faces a difficult budget season, with opposition parties resisting his deficit-cutting plans ahead of the April-May presidential election. The government struggles with strained finances and rising borrowing costs. The budget bill is being reviewed in parliament, with a vote delayed to October 27 due to many amendments. Budget Minister David Amiel warns approved amendments could worsen the deficit by €10 billion. The government may invoke Article 49.3 to force passage, risking a no-confidence vote. If no budget passes, the government could use an emergency rollover law or pass a budget by ordinance, an unprecedented move. A finance ministry report warns a rollover would freeze investment and widen the deficit, while an ordinance budget could trigger a no-confidence vote and leave the cabinet in a caretaker role.