RN calls for Bank of France governor's resignation

The National Rally (RN) has demanded the resignation of Emmanuel Moulin, the governor of the Bank of France, after he suggested the possibility of adopting a budget without parliamentary approval. The party criticizes Moulin for what it sees as overstepping his role and aligning with President Macron’s policies.

RN accuses Moulin of political bias

Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a deputy from RN, accused Moulin of "crossing the red line" by suggesting a budget could be adopted without a parliamentary vote. He criticized Moulin for behaving like a Macronist and argued that the governor must resign immediately.

RN's broader stance on neutrality

This call follows similar demands by RN leader Marine Le Pen, who previously urged the resignation of Richard Ferrand, the president of the Constitutional Council, over his rulings on constitutional revisions. Tanguy emphasized that officials in institutions like the Bank of France and Constitutional Council must remain neutral and avoid political involvement.

Moulin defends constitutional mechanisms

During the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting in Bangkok, Moulin urged French political leaders to take responsibility for passing a budget, referencing constitutional provisions like Article 49.3. He said the European Central Bank and the Bank of France could not resolve the parliamentary deadlock and that the government and parliament must act.

France's budget adoption options

The French Constitution includes several ways to adopt or implement a budget without a parliamentary majority. These include Article 49.3, which allows for adoption without a vote unless a motion of censure is passed, and Article 47, which permits the use of ordinances under certain conditions.

Government considers using Article 49.3

Sébastien Lecornu, the minister of ecology, has not ruled out using Article 49.3 to adopt the 2027 budget, which is currently being reviewed in the National Assembly. The government aims to reduce the public deficit to 5% of GDP next year but lacks a parliamentary majority to pass the budget.

Left leader condemns Moulin's remarks

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the Left (LFI), strongly criticized Moulin’s comments, calling him a "Macron commis" and demanding that Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF, address the issue. Mélenchon had previously called Moulin’s warnings "treason" and suggested he could face legal consequences for his remarks.