French Prime Minister François Bayrou has lost a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.
The outcome, largely anticipated, saw a clear majority of deputies vote against the Prime Minister on Monday evening. Bayrou had served in office for just under nine months. Following President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call early elections in July 2024, his centrist coalition no longer holds a majority in parliament. The previous government was also brought down by a vote of no confidence.
The primary point of contention within the parliament revolved around Bayrou’s proposed austerity budget. In his closing remarks on Monday, he argued for his 44 billion euro austerity measures, emphasizing, “The survival of the country is at stake”. He further stated, “A country unable to balance its public finances is a country that abandons itself”. Bayrou repeatedly rejected proposals from the left to increase revenue through higher taxes on the wealthiest citizens.
Bayrou initially sought the confidence vote to secure support for his austerity plan. However, the opposition swiftly announced their intention to bring down the government. The repeated collapse of one of his minority governments is expected to increase pressure on President Macron, who has so far ruled out fresh elections and his own resignation. The Bayrou government is likely to remain in a caretaker capacity until Macron appoints a successor. Trade unions have announced strikes and protests against the proposed cuts for the coming days and weeks.