France's prime minister has used special executive powers to get the 2025 budget approved without a vote by lawmakers.

French Prime Minister François Bayrou avoided the collapse of his government in a no-confidence motion prompted by the 2025 budget bill. But experts maintain the delicate tightrope he must walk means his power is limited.

Only 128 lawmakers approved the motion, far from the 289 votes — or half the National Assembly seats — needed for it to pass. Both the Socialists and far-right National Rally lawmakers refused to support it.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will use special constitutional powers to pass the 2025 budget on Monday, triggering a crucial no-confidence vote that will decide whether his minority government survives.

The head of France’s far-right National Rally party says he doesn’t support a no-confidence motion filed against the government, making it more likely that the prime minister will remain in office and

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is set to ride out two no-confidence votes on Wednesday, giving him the stability needed to implement a delayed 2025 budget.

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected on Wednesday to survive a no-confidence vote in parliament, winning some breathing space after less than two months in office but by no