France is shrouded in the risk of a fresh political crisis, as the minority government led by Prime Minister Bayrou is likely to be ousted in a crucial confidence vote in September.
In a bid to resolve the government's dilemma, on the 25th Bayrou dropped a bombshell, requesting the National Assembly to hold a confidence vote on his government on September 8. He hopes this move will win National Assembly support for the government's budget plan.
There had already been growing calls across France for a nationwide general strike on September 10 to protest Bayrou's austerity budget plan. Bayrou's latest move is clearly a risky gambit.
Several major opposition parties have already stated they will not support Bayrou's budget plan. The main left-wing parties and the far-right parties have said they will vote against the government in the confidence vote.
Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally party, even said on the 26th that he is ready to take over as prime minister.
Government Support Below 30%
A poll released by France's BFM TV on the 26th showed that 72% of French people do not want the government to win the confidence vote in the National Assembly. Only 21% “very much want” the government to win, and 6% “completely want” the government to win the confidence vote.
In addition, the poll revealed that 76% of respondents believe the government's 2026 budget plan will not effectively reduce the public deficit, and 82% think the plan does not reasonably distribute the fiscal responsibilities everyone should bear. More than half believe France's financial and economic situation is poor, but not likely to get worse.
This further reduces the probability of Bayrou passing the parliamentary confidence vote.
Far Left Demands Macron Step Down
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left “France Unbowed” party, further hinted that if Bayrou's proposal fails in the National Assembly, Macron should resign.
He said: “Macron represents chaos. The problem lies with Macron—he must go.”
He added that he will put forward a motion of no confidence in Macron in parliament.
Since the far right won last year’s European elections in France, Macron dissolved the parliament and called for new elections, resulting in a political crisis. Since then, there have been repeated calls for Macron to resign.
However, Macron has repeatedly insisted he will serve out his term until 2027, though he has said he will try to avoid dissolving the parliament again. If the Bayrou government is brought down by parliament, Macron will have to look for his seventh prime minister during his term.