Overview

• The government lost the National Assembly confidence vote 364–194, and François Bayrou must submit his cabinet’s resignation, with a caretaker role expected until a replacement is named.
• Bayrou tied the vote to a roughly €44 billion savings plan that proposed freezing social spending and scrapping two public holidays, triggering united opposition from the left and the Rassemblement National.
• President Emmanuel Macron has ruled out resigning and is seen as leaning toward appointing a new premier who can navigate the fragmented chamber rather than immediately dissolving the Assembly.
• Street action is set to escalate with the online movement Bloquons tout calling for nationwide blockades on Wednesday and unions planning a strike day on September 18.
• France’s strained public finances—debt near 114% of GDP and a 5.8% deficit—face added scrutiny with a Fitch ratings review due Friday, increasing the stakes for swift government formation.