When it comes to political infamy, Trump is no match for Macron.
Unprecedented and astonishing: the government’s budget proposal was rejected by 458 votes, with zero in favor—even a single token vote of support was absent. (Figure 2)
Deeply humiliating.
Even Macron’s own MPs turned against him?
The facts are undeniable.
“A ceremonial president clinging to power, no longer effectively leading a government,” wrote a French internet user—harsh words, but grounded in reality.
Le Monde commentary: He continues to govern a nation lacking both parliamentary majority and a true presidential party, loyal only to himself.
Numbers tell the story: Macron’s approval rating stands at 15%, according to an Ipsos poll from October, with 82% expressing dissatisfaction—the lowest level during his tenure.
From July’s 22% to September’s 16%, then down to 15% in October—three months of a seven-point drop, steeper than any comparable period during his first term (initial approval in 2017 was around 40%).
Trump’s approval ratings have never fallen below 30%.
Hence, Trump’s irritation at Macron’s criticism is understandable—but not hypocritical. It is not merely “fifty steps laughing at a hundred.”
Why did the budget receive zero support? Why is it universally condemned?
The draft budget released in September proposed cutting 54 billion euros, reducing the deficit from 5.4% to 5.0%, with 60% achieved through austerity measures:
Freezing public sector wages, freezing pension adjustments to inflation, and cutting healthcare and social security expenditures.
After several weeks of parliamentary revisions, the revised version became so disjointed and unworkable that even its authors lost faith in it—no one wanted to back it.
Even allies defected?
The governing coalition never held a stable parliamentary majority; three factions stood in balance. Few were willing to endorse fiscal tightening ahead of elections, knowing it would alienate voters.
Right-wing voters have shifted toward Le Pen, with nearly one-sixth to one-fifth of Macron supporters casting their first-round ballots for her.
With the budget unanimously rejected, the government has no choice but to invoke Article 49.3.
Article 49.3 is not a lifeline—it is a high-stakes gamble. It allows the government to bypass parliamentary vote and enact legislation directly, which is then deemed approved unless overturned.
But the risk lies in the fact that if opposition parties table and pass a motion of no confidence within 24 hours, the government collapses.
Opposition leaders have already signaled their intent to introduce such a motion.
This is precisely how the Barre government fell in 2024.
Over more than a year, Article 49.3 has forced the resignation of two prime ministers: Barre and Béru.
Just days ago, Le Colleter had pledged to refrain from using Article 49.3, attempting to appease opposition forces.
Support has vanished entirely—every corner now filled with dissent.
He is the heir to the Fifth Republic, yet also its crisis amplifier. The foundation of presidential authority has been hollowed out by his own hand.
Macron, Macron…
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1881003885545472/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.