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 said 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 are 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 on the question of French debt. He spent the summer warning of the existential threat to France if it did not start to tackle its €3.4 trillion (£2.9 trillion) liability. In a budget for 2026 he proposed to scrap two national holidays and freeze welfare payments and pensions, with the aim of saving €44 billion.
Party after party made quite clear they saw Monday's vote as an opportunity to settle accounts with Bayrou - and through him Macron. Lacking any majority in the National Assembly, Bayrou saw the left and hard-right uniting against him - and his fate was sealed.
Some commentators have described Bayrou's fall as an act of political suicide. There was no need for him to call the early confidence vote, and he could have spent the coming months trying to build support.
In the country, Bayrou's warnings have had little impact, with polls showing that few regard debt control as a priority compared to cost of living and security. A movement called Bloquons Tout (Let's Block Everything) has promised protests against Macron's policies.
Most economic analysts agree that France faces a significant financial challenge ahead, as the projected cost of servicing its debt rises. The need for financial restraint comes as Macron promises extra funds for defense, and opposition parties demand the repeal of the pension reform.
Bayrou took over from Michel Barnier last December but struggled under pressure, leading to a potential shift in Macron’s political strategy. Speculation suggests Macron may appoint a left-leaning prime minister, but such a choice could involve significant political risks.
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 are 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 on the question of French debt. He spent the summer warning of the existential threat to France if it did not start to tackle its €3.4 trillion (£2.9 trillion) liability. In a budget for 2026 he proposed to scrap two national holidays and freeze welfare payments and pensions, with the aim of saving €44 billion.
Party after party made quite clear they saw Monday's vote as an opportunity to settle accounts with Bayrou - and through him Macron. Lacking any majority in the National Assembly, Bayrou saw the left and hard-right uniting against him - and his fate was sealed.
Some commentators have described Bayrou's fall as an act of political suicide. There was no need for him to call the early confidence vote, and he could have spent the coming months trying to build support.
In the country, Bayrou's warnings have had little impact, with polls showing that few regard debt control as a priority compared to cost of living and security. A movement called Bloquons Tout (Let's Block Everything) has promised protests against Macron's policies.
Most economic analysts agree that France faces a significant financial challenge ahead, as the projected cost of servicing its debt rises. The need for financial restraint comes as Macron promises extra funds for defense, and opposition parties demand the repeal of the pension reform.
Bayrou took over from Michel Barnier last December but struggled under pressure, leading to a potential shift in Macron’s political strategy. Speculation suggests Macron may appoint a left-leaning prime minister, but such a choice could involve significant political risks.
