Overview

• The confidence vote has been set for 8 September and is framed as a single, principle test of the entire savings package rather than individual measures.
• Rassemblement National, La France Insoumise, the Socialists, Greens and Communists have pledged to vote against, while Macron’s Renaissance bloc says it will support the prime minister.
• Macron has offered full backing to Bayrou but rejects calls from Rassemblement National for new elections if the government falls.
• The plan targets about €43.8–44 billion in 2026 savings by freezing most non‑defense spending, pausing indexation for pensions and social benefits, and scrapping two public holidays to move the deficit toward 4.6%.
• Unions and online activists are promoting strike action for 10 September, and French 10‑year bond yields have risen toward 3.5% with the Bund spread near 80 basis points.