Overview

• The prime minister opened talks by receiving the Communist Party on Monday, with meetings set this week for the RN, allied centrists and the PS, while LFI and the Ecologists refused to attend.
• RN leaders and major left parties say they will vote against the confidence motion, and the Socialists have ruled out backing Bayrou while presenting themselves as ready to govern.
• The government seeks roughly €43.8–44 billion in 2026 savings, including a tax année blanche, freezes on some benefits and the removal of two public holidays, a measure Bayrou now says is negotiable.
• National Assembly president Yaël Braun-Pivet criticized Bayrou’s recent remarks, urged dropping the public-holiday cut and called for cross‑party talks on a coalition if the government falls.
• Bayrou’s joint TV interview on four news channels drew about 1.9 million viewers, and some outlets report the cabinet may try to advance decrees such as higher health‑insurance co‑payments before the vote.