France has been plunged into a new political crisis with the defeat of Prime Minister François Bayrou at a confidence vote in the National Assembly.
The defeat – by 364 votes to 194 – means that Bayrou will on Tuesday present his government's resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who must now decide how to replace him. Macron's office stated this would happen 'in the coming days'.
The options include naming a new prime minister from the centre-right; pivoting to the left and finding a name compatible with the Socialist Party; and dissolving parliament so new elections may be held.
Macron's bitter enemies in the far-left France Unbowed party are calling for him personally to resign, but few commentators think it likely.
France is thus on its way to getting a fifth prime minister in less than two years - a dismal record that underscores the drift and disenchantment that have marked the president's second term.
Bayrou's fall came after he staked his government on an emergency confidence debate concerning French debt. He spent the summer warning of the 'existential' threat to France if it did not address its €3.4 trillion liability.
In a proposed budget for 2026, he suggested cutting two national holidays and freezing welfare payments and pensions, aiming to save €44 billion. However, he quickly realized that his dire predictions wouldn't sway opponents.
With no majority in the National Assembly, Bayrou found left-wing and hard-right parties uniting against him, sealing his fate. Some political analysts have characterized his fall as an act of political suicide; he could have built support instead of calling the confidence vote.
Bayrou urged parliament by saying that future generations would suffer if France lost its financial independence, equating submission to debt with submission to arms. His assertions, however, failed to resonate broadly, as polls suggest that voters prioritize living costs, security, and immigration over debt control.
A movement named Bloquons Tout (Let's Block Everything) is organizing protests and sit-ins against Macron's policies, highlighting the growing unrest. Economic analysts predict escalating financial challenges for France, complicating Macron's plans for increased defense funding against a backdrop of unrest and demand for pension reform repeal.
As Macron faces the decision of whom to appoint next, speculation surrounds whether he might approach a left-wing candidate after unsuccessfully trying conservative and centrist leaders.
