France Rocked by Government Collapse as PM Bayrou Ousted, Macron Seeks Fourth Premier
France Rocked by Government Collapse as PM Bayrou Ousted, Macron Seeks Fourth Premier
France’s government was toppled in a confidence vote on Monday, plunging Europe’s second-largest economy into fresh political turmoil. Prime Minister François Bayrou was overwhelmingly ousted in a 364-194 vote, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to begin an arduous search for his fourth prime minister in just 12 months.
Bayrou’s short-lived minority government, in office for less than nine months, is now constitutionally obliged to submit its resignation to President Macron. This development heralds renewed uncertainty and a risk of prolonged legislative deadlock as France grapples with significant challenges, including budget difficulties and its role in international conflicts.
The confidence vote, initiated by Bayrou himself over his unpopular budget plans aimed at slashing public spending, backfired spectacularly. Lawmakers, including those from left-wing and far-right blocs, seized the opportunity to unite against the 74-year-old centrist, intensifying pressure on Macron.
Macron’s office confirmed that he would accept Bayrou’s government’s resignation on Tuesday and is expected to name a new prime minister “in the coming days.” The president retains substantial powers over foreign policy and European affairs, but his domestic agenda faces increasing hurdles following a series of government collapses.
This latest crisis stems from Macron’s decision in June 2024 to dissolve the National Assembly, a gamble intended to strengthen his centrist alliance that instead resulted in a fragmented legislature. Without a workable majority, his subsequent minority governments have struggled, surviving largely at the discretion of opposing political blocs.
Opposition leaders, including Marine Le Pen, are leveraging the crisis to advocate for another snap legislative election, confident that her National Rally party could secure a majority. The incoming prime minister will face the same precarious political environment and urgent budget problems that led to Bayrou’s downfall, as France’s public debt surged to 114% of GDP by the first quarter of 2025, with deficit spending well above EU targets.
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