The government also committed to upping its annual contribution to the European Union budget by €2.5 billion as required by the bloc’s rules.

But Paris’ proposal to delay access to welfare outlays and make key provisions easily modifiable by the next government were seen by lawmakers across the political spectrum as an olive branch to Le Pen, the front-runner in the spring race to replace term-limited President Emmanuel Macron.

Since snap elections delivered a hung parliament in 2024, the budget process has become treacherous territory. Lecornu’s two predecessors lost their jobs trying to pass their spending plans in parliament by year-end.  

Lawmakers of all political colors told POLITICO that the National Rally could play ball on the budget, allowing Le Pen to look like a responsible player who avoided a financial crisis while being able to still change the text if she wins.

“The only party that can afford not to topple the government is the National Rally,” said a lawmaker and former minister from Macron’s camp who was granted anonymity to speak candidly.

France Unbowed MP Eric Coquerel, the president of the National Assembly finance committee, told POLITICO he has “the impression that for now the prime minister is banking on the National Rally not to topple him.”