Overview

• Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a 8 September confidence vote that the left, greens and the far-right RN say they will reject.
• The government’s proposal targets about €44 billion in 2026 savings, including scrapping two public holidays, a measure the budget minister now signals is negotiable.
• France’s debt is about €3.3 trillion, roughly 114% of GDP, a burden Bayrou cites in pressing for austerity.
• Trade unions have called nationwide demonstrations for 18 September, and an online-led “Bloquons tout” campaign urges a general blockade this Wednesday.
• If his government falls, President Emmanuel Macron must either appoint a new prime minister or dissolve the National Assembly, a dilemma analysts say could advantage the RN in any new vote.