French Prime Minister Bayrou Faces Likely Defeat in Confidence Vote

Paris, The Gulf Observer: French Prime Minister François Bayrou is preparing for an expected defeat in a confidence vote scheduled for Monday, September 8, a development that could plunge France deeper into political turmoil.

Bayrou, appointed in December 2024, leads a minority government with only 210 seats in the National Assembly. His proposed €44 billion austerity package—aimed at reducing the country’s budget deficit—has faced strong resistance across the political spectrum, uniting both left- and right-wing parties against him.

In a high-stakes gamble, Bayrou himself called the confidence vote to legitimize his economic reform agenda. However, with opposition parties declaring their intent to vote him down, his chances of survival appear slim.

Should the government fall, President Emmanuel Macron will be forced either to appoint a new prime minister or dissolve parliament, raising the prospect of fresh elections amid already volatile conditions. Meanwhile, public protests and nationwide strikes are being planned in response to the austerity measures, reflecting growing anger over the government’s policies.

Analysts warn that the ongoing political crisis, coupled with France’s heavy debt burden, risks undermining investor confidence and further destabilizing Europe’s second-largest economy.