France Faces New Political Crisis, again, as Prime Minister Bayrou Pushed Out
François Bayrou loses confidence vote after nine months, prompting Macron to seek yet another head of government amid persistent deadlock.
France has entered a fresh phase of political instability after Prime Minister François Bayrou was defeated in a confidence vote in the National Assembly.
The motion passed by a margin of three hundred and sixty‑four votes against and one hundred and ninety‑four in favour, ending Bayrou’s tenure after under nine months in office.
Bayrou had called the vote to secure backing for his austerity programme, which sought significant public spending cuts and reform measures aimed at reducing France’s debt.
However, the attempt galvanised opposition from both left‑wing and far‑right deputies, consolidating a rare cross‑spectrum alliance and resulting in his removal.
This marks the fourth prime ministerial collapse of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term, and the third in just over a year—highlighting the depth of France’s legislative fragmentation.
The government had been formed in December 2024 after the collapse of the previous administration, and Bayrou’s predecessor had similarly succumbed to political pressures.
The deadlock follows last year’s snapshot elections, which produced a hung National Assembly with no party or coalition commanding a majority.
The fractured legislature now intensifies the challenges of passing the forthcoming 2026 budget.
President Macron must swiftly nominate a successor capable of navigating these divisions and ensuring continuity in governance.
France’s public debt remains elevated, at approximately one hundred and fourteen per cent of gross domestic product, with debt servicing accounting for around seven per cent of state expenditure.
The parliamentary impasse adds urgency to finding a leader who can both calm markets and restore policy momentum.
Macron is expected to announce a new prime minister in the coming days.
Potential candidates must combine political agility with credibility to negotiate across fault lines.
While snap elections are constitutionally restricted at this juncture, political observers warn that prolonged instability may persist unless a viable multi‑party compromise is reached.
The motion passed by a margin of three hundred and sixty‑four votes against and one hundred and ninety‑four in favour, ending Bayrou’s tenure after under nine months in office.
Bayrou had called the vote to secure backing for his austerity programme, which sought significant public spending cuts and reform measures aimed at reducing France’s debt.
However, the attempt galvanised opposition from both left‑wing and far‑right deputies, consolidating a rare cross‑spectrum alliance and resulting in his removal.
This marks the fourth prime ministerial collapse of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term, and the third in just over a year—highlighting the depth of France’s legislative fragmentation.
The government had been formed in December 2024 after the collapse of the previous administration, and Bayrou’s predecessor had similarly succumbed to political pressures.
The deadlock follows last year’s snapshot elections, which produced a hung National Assembly with no party or coalition commanding a majority.
The fractured legislature now intensifies the challenges of passing the forthcoming 2026 budget.
President Macron must swiftly nominate a successor capable of navigating these divisions and ensuring continuity in governance.
France’s public debt remains elevated, at approximately one hundred and fourteen per cent of gross domestic product, with debt servicing accounting for around seven per cent of state expenditure.
The parliamentary impasse adds urgency to finding a leader who can both calm markets and restore policy momentum.
Macron is expected to announce a new prime minister in the coming days.
Potential candidates must combine political agility with credibility to negotiate across fault lines.
While snap elections are constitutionally restricted at this juncture, political observers warn that prolonged instability may persist unless a viable multi‑party compromise is reached.
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Translated by AI
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