French Prime Minister François Bayrou has initiated a vote of confidence for his minority government, scheduled for September 8, amid growing opposition to proposed budget cuts exceeding €44 billion (£38 billion). Bayrou, who has been in office since last December following the collapse of his predecessor’s administration, stated that France faces a “worrying and therefore decisive moment.” He characterized the situation as risky, emphasizing the urgent need for action against a mounting budget deficit.
The response from opposition parties has been swift, with groups from across the political spectrum—including the National Rally, Socialists, Greens, and France Unbowed—declaring their intent to vote against Bayrou. This vote comes just days prior to planned protests throughout the country organized by the “Bloquons tout” movement, which began on social media and has garnered support from unions and leftist groups.
Bayrou’s budget proposals, which are aimed at addressing last year’s budget deficit, reported at 5.8% of France’s GDP, have resulted in a decline in the CAC-40 share index. Finance Minister Eric Lombard noted the collective responsibility to prepare a budget aimed at recovery for 2026.
Bayrou’s leadership appears precarious, with insufficient support in the National Assembly. Leaders from the far-right National Rally, including president Jordan Bardella and Marine Le Pen, have expressed harsh criticism, suggesting there might be a need for parliamentary dissolution. Furthermore, the Communists, Ecologists, and radical-left factions have all announced their opposition.
Should the vote fail, President Emmanuel Macron will need to decide whether to maintain Bayrou as a caretaker leader, appoint a new prime minister, or call for elections. Macron continues to serve his term until 2027 but has indicated a readiness for future elections, which created the current minority government comprising centrists and right-wing Republicans.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1le1m48mr6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss