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yesterday

Bayrou Poised to Lose Confidence Vote, Forcing Macron to Pick a New French Prime Minister

A €44 billion austerity blueprint has united opponents across the fragmented assembly.

French President Emmanuel Macron and French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou attend a farewell ceremony to former Chief of the Defence Staff of the French Armed Forces Thierry Burkhard, in the courtyard of Les Invalides, in Paris, France September 5, 2025. Christophe Ena/Pool via REUTERS
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou speaks during the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, June 10, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
Francois Bayrou at the French Senate in Paris, France
French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrives for a series of consultations with political parties in Paris, Sept. 2, 2025.

Overview

  • Lawmakers vote on Sept. 8 by paper ballot after a debate starting 1500 local time (1300 GMT), with results expected around 1730–1800 GMT based on an absolute majority of votes cast.
  • If the government loses, François Bayrou must present his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who has ruled out calling snap parliamentary elections for now.
  • Names circulating for a successor include Finance Minister Éric Lombard, former Socialist prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve, and Court of Auditors chief Pierre Moscovici, with a centre-left or technocratic option under discussion, according to Reuters.
  • Bayrou’s plan seeks €44 billion in 2026 savings through pension freezes, healthcare cuts, and scrapping two public holidays, measures that triggered unified opposition.
  • Market and social pressures are building, with French 10-year yields above 3.5%, a Fitch rating review scheduled for Sept. 12, nationwide protests set for Sept. 10, and union strikes planned for Sept. 18.