France Plunges into Political Crisis as PM Bayrou Ousted in Confidence Vote
France Plunges into Political Crisis as PM Bayrou Ousted in Confidence Vote
France has been plunged into a deep political crisis following the ousting of Prime Minister François Bayrou in a no-confidence vote, just nine months into his tenure. The collapse of his minority government sees Bayrou, 74, set to formally submit his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday morning.
The dramatic vote saw 364 deputies express no confidence in the government, against 194 who supported him. Bayrou had initiated the vote himself, a high-stakes gamble to secure parliamentary backing for crucial austerity measures aimed at reducing France’s burgeoning public debt. His plea for a “compromise” on the budget and a “minimal” understanding in a deeply divided parliament ultimately failed to sway opposition and even some centrist deputies.
President Macron now faces the formidable challenge of appointing his third prime minister in a single year, and the fifth since the start of his second term in 2022. His office confirmed a decision would be made “in the coming days.” The political landscape remains fractured, with the left-wing opposition, which won the most seats in last year’s snap election but fell short of a majority, advocating for a prime minister from their ranks. Meanwhile, far-right leader Marine Le Pen, currently appealing a March conviction for embezzlement, has called for immediate parliamentary elections, despite Macron’s reluctance given the current polling data and risk of another hung parliament.
The immediate fallout includes the shelving of Bayrou’s unpopular €44bn budget squeeze and austerity program, including a controversial plan to scrap two public holidays. The priority for Macron’s next appointee will be to navigate the contentious issue of the 2026 budget. Adding to the turmoil, France anticipates widespread protest actions on Wednesday, organized by the “Block Everything” movement, threatening to shut down roads, schools, and businesses, with public sector strikes expected to follow.
Bayrou’s brief term was marked by significant unpopularity, not only due to his budget proposals but also controversies surrounding his past conduct as education minister regarding an abuse scandal at the Bétharram Catholic school. His recent criticisms of a parliamentary inquiry into the matter further eroded support, even among his own centrists, contributing to his downfall.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.