France Faces Potential Political Upheaval as Prime Minister Bayrou Risks Confidence Vote

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:16:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Prime Minister François Bayrou contemplates a critical parliamentary confidence vote that could see him ousted, marking another turbulent chapter in French politics. As Bayrou proposes significant public spending cuts to address the nation’s budget crisis, opposition forces rally against his minority government, threatening further instability in France and the EU.

On Monday, Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a parliamentary confidence vote that he called, but is widely expected to lose. Bayrou, who has held office for nine months, is advocating for budget cuts to address France's increasing state deficit. However, opposing lawmakers are united against him, risking his government’s stability. With Bayrou's potential ousting, President Emmanuel Macron may face more challenges in appointing a successor amid growing political discord.

PARIS (AP) — France risks losing its third prime minister in 12 months on Monday, with incumbent François Bayrou facing a parliamentary confidence vote that he called but is widely expected to lose, heralding more instability for the European Union’s second-largest economy.

The 74-year-old centrist prime minister, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron just under nine months ago, seeks to unite lawmakers in the sharply divided National Assembly behind proposed public spending cuts that Bayrou argues are necessary to control France’s spiraling state deficit and debt levels.

However, opposition lawmakers are vowing to seize this chance to bring down Bayrou and his minority cabinet, composed of centrist and right-leaning ministers. This upheaval would likely force Macron to search for another successor.

A key vote

The National Assembly’s extraordinary session, requested by Bayrou, interrupts its summer break, beginning at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT; 0900 EDT) Monday. Following Bayrou’s speech advocating for economic restraint, lawmakers can express their views before voting on whether to support or oppose his government.

To survive, Bayrou needs a majority of votes in favor. If there’s a majority against him, he is constitutionally mandated to resign, which could precipitate another political crisis in France.

Musical chairs

Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly in June 2024 has backfired, resulting in a fragmented legislature with no clear dominant political bloc, complicating the landscape for the French government.

This political uncertainty has hindered Macron's ability to implement policies during his second presidential term set to conclude in 2027.

Attempts to stabilize the government saw three prime ministers in quick succession, with the latest being Bayrou, who is now up against the unsustainable parliamentary dynamics.

Bayrou’s frustration

Bayrou's government faces opposition from more than 320 legislators from both the far-right and the left-wing, compared to only 210 supporting his centrist coalition, making survival look dismal.

Expressing his frustration, Bayrou remarked on the absurdity that rival political factions were uniting to reign against him despite their historic enmity.

Pressing problems for France

If Bayrou is ousted, Macron will need to find a new prime minister who can navigate the same tumultuous political waters and manage persistent financial issues. Although Macron pledges to remain in office until his term's end, a continued political deadlock risks rendering his presidency ineffective.

As part of his strategy, Bayrou has proposed budget cuts amounting to 44 billion euros ($51 billion) for 2026 amid a disconcertingly high public debt, which is projected to be 3.346 trillion euros, over 114% of GDP.