France has been plunged into fresh political turmoil after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a crucial vote of confidence in the National Assembly on Monday, September 8, 2025.
The motion, triggered by Bayrou himself to secure support for his controversial €44 billion deficit-cutting plan, ended in a crushing defeat, with 364 lawmakers voting against him and only 194 in favor. The plan, which included scrapping two public holidays and freezing government spending, sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
Bayrou tendered his resignation shortly after the vote, marking the collapse of his nine-month-old government. President Emmanuel Macron is now tasked with appointing a new prime minister, the fifth since 2022, as France continues to grapple with unprecedented political instability.
Both the far-right National Rally and left-wing alliances joined forces against Bayrou, highlighting the fragmented nature of the French Parliament since Macron’s failed snap election in 2024. The deadlock has left the government struggling to pass budgets at a time when France’s public debt has soared to 114% of GDP.
Reactions were swift. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for Parliament to be dissolved and fresh elections to be held, while leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Macron of being out of touch with the realities of ordinary citizens.
The fallout from Bayrou’s ouster raises fresh concerns about France’s ability to maintain fiscal stability and its influence within the European Union. Analysts warn that without a functioning majority, Macron’s administration risks paralysis at a time of mounting economic and social pressures.
For now, all eyes are on the Élysée Palace as Macron begins consultations to select a new prime minister, an increasingly difficult task in a deeply divided political landscape.
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