France, Feb. 3 -- On Monday, French lawmakers rejected two attempts by hard-left and far-right parties to bring down the government, clearing the way for final approval of the 2026 budget spending plan.

The votes followed Lecornu's decision on Friday to force the budget through parliament without a vote for the third and final time - a move that proved controversial, but ultimately decisive.

"France finally has a budget," Lecornu wrote on X, welcoming what he called a "parliamentary compromise" that curbs public spending while avoiding tax hikes for households and businesses.

The outcome ends a four-month stalemate that had paralysed decision-making on government finances.

The prime minister had previously acknowledged a "partial fail...