French Government Collapse After Prime Minister Ousted in No-Confidence Vote
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has been ousted by the National Assembly in a no-confidence vote, marking the second consecutive prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron to be dismissed. The vote, which required at least 288 out of 577 possible votes, was secured with 364 votes as the left-wing New Popular Front and right-wing National Rally united in opposition, ending a prolonged standoff over Bayrou’s austerity budget proposals. Bayrou, who had previously survived eight no-confidence motions, called the vote himself in an effort to secure support for his proposals to implement nearly €44 billion in savings to address France’s growing debt burden before the upcoming October budget. The prime minister, who has repeatedly warned of the ‘mortal danger’ posed by the country’s national debt, reportedly expressed frustration with rival parties that he claimed ‘hate each other’ yet joined forces to oust him.
Bayrou’s ouster has left President Macron facing a difficult decision regarding the next step in the political landscape. He is either forced to appoint a Socialist prime minister to steer a budget through parliament, effectively ceding control of domestic policy, or call snap elections that polls suggest favor Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. Both options threaten to further weaken his already beleaguered presidency, with analysts warning that a loss of market confidence in France’s ability to address its debt could lead to economic and political turmoil akin to the UK’s experience with Liz Truss’s brief but volatile tenure.
Public discontent with Macron’s leadership has deepened, with the latest Le Figaro poll indicating nearly 80% of French citizens no longer trust the president. Thousands marched through Paris at the weekend demanding Macron’s resignation, carrying placards reading ‘Let’s stop Macron’ and ‘Frexit.’ The political and economic uncertainty has sparked fears of a potential crisis, reminiscent of the tumultuous period during Truss’s short-lived government.