Overview

• The National Assembly confidence vote is set for September 8, a test that could determine François Bayrou’s hold on Matignon.
• Bayrou argues his 2026 consolidation plan is necessary to curb deficits, casting the young as the primary victims of public debt.
• He has called debt “the slavery of the youngest” and contrasted it with the “comfort” of “boomers,” a group he defined as those born between 1945 and 1965.
• Reactions have been sharp across politics and unions, with figures warning against setting generations against each other and the CFDT noting about 11% of retirees live below the poverty line.
• Emmanuel Macron has voiced support for the prime minister, as several opposition parties signal they will vote no; Bayrou has hinted at limited concessions but says his savings target stands.