France Faces New Turmoil as Bayrou Ousted
France has once again been shaken by political instability. Prime Minister François Bayrou and his centrist minority government were removed after losing a confidence vote in the National Assembly. What makes this moment even more striking is that Bayrou himself had requested the vote, hoping to secure legitimacy for his proposed 2026 budget. But instead, the outcome confirmed what many expected — his lack of support from both right-wing and left-wing parties left him with no path forward.
This marks the fifth time in less than two years that France will need a new prime minister. President Emmanuel Macron must now decide on Bayrou’s replacement, though it is widely assumed he will once again appoint a centrist ally to lead yet another minority government. The rapid turnover of leaders reflects not only fragile coalitions but also the deep fractures in French politics since last year’s snap parliamentary elections, which ended without a clear winner.
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Bayrou’s fall was tied closely to his ambitious but unpopular budget plans. He had aimed to cut about 44 billion euros from the 2026 budget to bring down France’s soaring deficit, which reached nearly 5.8% of GDP in 2024. Even with his measures, the deficit would only have been reduced to 4.6% by 2026, still well above the European Union’s limit of 3%. Opposition parties attacked these austerity measures, accusing Bayrou of pushing painful cuts while raising taxes. Leaders across the spectrum argued that ordinary citizens would carry the heaviest burden.
The atmosphere in France has been tense. Anger has grown not only in parliament but also in the streets. Protest movements — some recalling the “Yellow Vests” demonstrations of recent years — have called for mass strikes and blockades, warning of rising inequality and economic injustice. Many citizens feel they are not being heard, and sociologists even describe a “pre-revolutionary mood” among parts of the population. This discontent is compounded by surveys showing that more than three-quarters of French people disapprove of President Macron’s leadership.
For Macron, the stakes could not be higher. His authority on the international stage, particularly in leading European responses to the war in Ukraine, has contrasted sharply with his weak position at home. The president insists he will not resign, but calls for his departure are being voiced by figures on both the left and right. If he fails to stabilize the government, he may face pressure to call another snap election — a risky move that could further strengthen extremist parties.
France’s political turbulence also carries economic risks. With public debt already exceeding 110% of GDP, investor confidence has been shaken. Credit agencies are watching closely, and any downgrade could make borrowing more expensive for the country. Germany has insisted that the Eurozone’s stability is not at risk, but market jitters suggest otherwise.
As things stand, France is heading into yet another period of uncertainty. The resignation of François Bayrou is not just a change of leadership — it is a symptom of a deeper crisis. Unless stability is restored, the cycle of weak governments and collapsing budgets may continue, leaving France struggling to maintain both political order and economic credibility.
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