The French government has collapsed after suffering a heavy defeat in a no-confidence motion. In the vote against Prime Minister François Bayrou’s minority government, 194 lawmakers supported the government while 364 opposed it. Following the result, Bayrou tendered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron. Bayrou, 74, had assumed office in December last year. With the fall of his government, France has once again entered a phase of political uncertainty.
Observers had long predicted the defeat of the debt-ridden French government, though few expected such a crushing loss. Reports suggest many members of Bayrou’s own party voted against him. His insistence on backing a €44 billion austerity plan is seen as the main reason for the revolt. Added to this were mounting budget issues, Trump-era tariffs, the Ukraine war, and the Gaza conflict, all contributing to France’s turmoil. Currently, France holds €3.3 trillion in public debt, the third-highest in the Eurozone after Greece and Italy. An aging population and a shrinking workforce have compounded the crisis. Bayrou’s controversial move to cut weekly holidays from two days to one also fueled discontent.
Bayrou will remain as caretaker prime minister until a successor is appointed, but he will only oversee day-to-day affairs without making major decisions. It is unclear how long it will take to name a new prime minister. Meanwhile, opposition parties are also demanding President Macron’s resignation, but he has firmly rejected the calls, insisting he will continue until 2027. Analysts predict that Macron’s centrist bloc could face a severe defeat if snap elections are held, leaving France’s political future highly uncertain.