François Bayrou, the French Prime Minister, is facing a likely confidence vote regarding his leadership amid ongoing turmoil within the National Assembly. At age 74, Bayrou is the fourth individual to hold the prime ministerial role since President Emmanuel Macron began his second term, which has been marked by political instability. Bayrou’s administration has proposed €44 billion in budget cuts to address France’s rising public debt, but it now risks collapse.
The political situation escalated after Macron’s decision to call a snap parliamentary election in June 2024, which was intended to secure a stable majority but resulted in a divided parliament. This fragmentation has hindered the ability of any prime minister to effectively advance legislation and manage the national budget. After appointing Michel Barnier, who resigned within three months, Bayrou may soon follow suit, having been in office for just under nine months. Calls for an early presidential election persist, especially from the far-left and far-right, but Macron has maintained his intention to serve until 2027.
France’s debt crisis stems from a long-standing issue where government expenditures exceed revenues. As of early 2025, public debt reached €3,345 billion, approximately 114% of the nation’s GDP, with significant implications for the economy. The country faces challenges, including an ageing population leading to fewer workers and higher pension draws, necessitating discussions about potential reforms to social welfare programs.
As Bayrou prepares for his confidence vote, speculation about his successor intensifies. Macron may opt for a candidate from the left, such as Olivier Faure or former PM Bernard Cazeneuve, to gain broader support in a divided assembly. Alternatively, he might continue with a choice from the center or right, like current Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The uncertainty surrounding these decisions highlights the complexities of governance in France at this time.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4r7dmxgxmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss