France’s Lecornu Takes New Approach to Survive Budget Clash (1)

The French government will begin closed-door talks with lawmakers this week in a bid to salvage a budget from a bitter, slow-moving parliamentary debate that risks toppling Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

The premier has asked his ministers to invite representatives of different parties as a part of a fresh attempt to agree on “broad principles” for next year’s budget, away from the partisan pressures of the fractured National Assembly. According to his office, he’ll meet with heads of political groups from the house on Monday.

Sebastien Lecornu

Photographer: Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg

Lecornu is looking to avoid the fate of his predecessors, Michel Barnier and ...