VISUAL: Which French prime minister has used controversial article 49.3 the most?

France is teetering on the brink of political chaos as prime minister Michel Barnier and his government face two votes of no confidence. 

The motion brought forward by the left is expected to pass with the support of the far-right, toppling the government.

Read more: What happens if French government falls tonight

The motions were brought forward after Mr Barnier used controversial article 49.3 to push through part of the 2025 budget without a vote in parliament on Monday (December 2).

The use of this article – mostly related to financing and social security bills – opens up a prime minister to a motion de censure (vote of no confidence), that can be filed within 48 hours. 

If no motion is filed – or if one is filed and does not receive the backing of a majority of MPs in the chamber, 289 or more – the bill is automatically passed. 

Mr Barnier’s use of the article on Monday was his first, however it has been used over 100 times by his predecessors. 

It was used a record 28 times by Michel Rocard, prime minister under François Mitterrand. 

It has been used sparingly since the early 1990s and did not attract major attention until the prime ministership of Elisabeth Borne. 

She was forced to use the measure over 20 times as she did not command a majority in the Assemblée nationale and bills – including parts of the controversial pension reform – could not be passed via voting. 

Note the list only includes those prime ministers under the Fifth Republic who have used the article.