French opposition parties have announced they will not support Prime Minister François Bayrou after he called a vote of confidence on 8 September regarding plans for deep budget cuts. Bayrou, who has been leading a minority government since December, stated that France was facing a 'worrying and therefore decisive moment' and expressed that 'it’s risky, but it’s even riskier not to do anything', in light of the rising budget deficit.
Opposition groups from both the right-wing National Rally and the left, including the Socialists and France Unbowed, lined up against Bayrou's proposals. This has provoked fears about his ability to govern effectively during a time of economic sensitivity, particularly with protests scheduled across France the very day before the vote to 'block everything'.
The 'Bloquons tout' movement, which originated on social media and gained Union and far-left support, surfaced following Bayrou's July announcement of substantial budget cuts amounting to nearly €44 billion. In reaction to the uncertainty surrounding the confidence vote, France's CAC-40 share index saw a notable drop.
Finance Minister Eric Lombard has suggested that while the government is keen to establish a budget for recovery by 2026, it remains firm on implementing €44 billion in cuts. Bayrou's plans also include contentious proposals to eliminate two national holidays.
If the government fails to pass this confidence vote, President Macron could either retain Bayrou in a caretaker capacity, appoint a new prime minister, or call fresh elections. Bayrou's announcement of the vote occurred during a visit to President Macron, indicating the administration's awareness of the political challenges ahead.
Macron himself is expected to remain in office until 2027 but initiating snap elections in 2024 has already led to the establishment of a minority government composed of centrist and right-wing parties, adding to the precariousness of Bayrou's leadership.
Opposition groups from both the right-wing National Rally and the left, including the Socialists and France Unbowed, lined up against Bayrou's proposals. This has provoked fears about his ability to govern effectively during a time of economic sensitivity, particularly with protests scheduled across France the very day before the vote to 'block everything'.
The 'Bloquons tout' movement, which originated on social media and gained Union and far-left support, surfaced following Bayrou's July announcement of substantial budget cuts amounting to nearly €44 billion. In reaction to the uncertainty surrounding the confidence vote, France's CAC-40 share index saw a notable drop.
Finance Minister Eric Lombard has suggested that while the government is keen to establish a budget for recovery by 2026, it remains firm on implementing €44 billion in cuts. Bayrou's plans also include contentious proposals to eliminate two national holidays.
If the government fails to pass this confidence vote, President Macron could either retain Bayrou in a caretaker capacity, appoint a new prime minister, or call fresh elections. Bayrou's announcement of the vote occurred during a visit to President Macron, indicating the administration's awareness of the political challenges ahead.
Macron himself is expected to remain in office until 2027 but initiating snap elections in 2024 has already led to the establishment of a minority government composed of centrist and right-wing parties, adding to the precariousness of Bayrou's leadership.
