François Bayrou has lost a brutal no-confidence vote as French deputies voted to oust him from power. The centrist Prime Minister faced devastating defeat with 364 deputies voting against his government and only 194 backing him, ending his tenure after just nine months.
The vote represents a critical juncture for President Emmanuel Macron's administration. The French leader now faces the challenge of appointing yet another Prime Minister to lead a fractured parliament, with analysts suggesting limited options for forming a stable government.
Political instability deepens
Bayrou becomes Macron's third Prime Minister in one year and his fifth since 2022. This governmental churn has exposed fundamental challenges facing the administration, with France's parliament becoming increasingly difficult to govern.
The expected defeat stems from widespread parliamentary resistance to Bayrou's proposed fiscal measures. His government triggered fierce opposition through plans to slash public expenditure by €44 billion in 2026, with the suggestion to scrap two public holidays proving especially unpopular across the political spectrum.
Fiscal crisis drives resistance
France's mounting debt crisis has reached critical levels, with the country's deficit standing at 6.2 per cent of GDP - more than double the EU's recommended level. According to Channel4, France hasn't balanced its budget for 51 years, consistently spending more than its annual resources.
The political chaos has triggered serious market concerns about France's fiscal position. The i reports that France's borrowing costs have risen above those of Greece, representing a dramatic shift for what was once considered a stable eurozone economy.
Limited options ahead
Macron appears unlikely to call fresh parliamentary elections, leaving him with restricted choices for forming a new government. France remains under the EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure, adding external pressure to resolve the mounting fiscal crisis.
The Guardian reports that the crisis timing coincides with crucial international diplomacy, including discussions on Palestine recognition and Ukraine support. This political instability threatens France's ability to engage effectively in key international initiatives during a critical period.
Sources used: "The Guardian", "The i", "Channel4", "GBNews" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
