Opposition Set to Challenge Bayrou
France’s minority government, led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, is facing a serious threat as three major opposition parties plan to vote against him in a confidence motion on September 8. The Socialists have firmly stated they will not support Bayrou, with party leader Olivier Faure calling any support out of the question. Additionally, the far-right National Rally and the Greens have confirmed they will not grant the government their confidence, leaving Bayrou’s administration in a vulnerable position.
Budget Cuts and Financial Strain
Bayrou has sought to take control of the situation by highlighting France’s financial challenges ahead of the debate on the 2026 budget, which includes €43.8 billion in planned cuts. He intends to present this overview before calling the confidence vote for his center-right coalition, emphasizing the urgent need for fiscal measures. Without a parliamentary majority, the government faces a high risk of collapse as political tensions continue to rise.
Public Unrest and Uncertain Future
Amid the austerity plans, calls for a general strike and nationwide protests on September 10 have been circulating, though the organizers remain unclear. France’s public debt has reached 114 percent of GDP, among the highest in the eurozone. If Bayrou’s government falls, President Emmanuel Macron could appoint a new prime minister, maintain Bayrou in a caretaker role, or call for early elections. Macron previously lost his former prime minister, Michel Barnier, after only three months due to a no-confidence vote over the budget.
