French Government Collapses as Prime Minister Bayrou Loses Confidence Vote

Paris, September 8, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – French lawmakers voted Monday to oust Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, plunging the country into a new political crisis as it grapples with economic strain and geopolitical challenges, CNN reported.

Bayrou lost the confidence vote after 364 members of parliament voted against him and 194 in his favor, far surpassing the 280 votes needed to topple the government. The prime minister had called the vote in an effort to push through a controversial €44 billion ($51 billion) savings plan, which included scrapping two public holidays and freezing government spending.

Bayrou will be forced to step down after just nine months in office, following his predecessor Michel Barnier, who was ousted by a no-confidence vote last December.

The Élysée Palace said French President Emmanuel Macron will appoint a new prime minister in the coming days. Possible successors include Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, though analysts note that the appointment is likely to be politically fraught.

Markets reacted negatively, with French bond yields rising above those of Spain, Portugal, and Greece, countries once at the center of the eurozone debt crisis. A sovereign credit rating review expected Friday could further threaten France’s financial standing.

The crisis stems from Macron’s decision last year to call a snap parliamentary election after the far-right National Rally made major gains in European Parliament elections. The move left France with a splintered parliament and an unstable governing coalition.

Opposition parties have warned they will reject another centrist appointee, raising the risk of further gridlock. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has demanded Macron dissolve parliament and call new elections, which polls suggest would strengthen her party’s position.

Public frustration has mounted, with far-left groups calling for nationwide protests on Wednesday under the slogan “Bloquons tout” (“Let’s block everything”), and trade unions planning further mobilization later this month.

The political turmoil comes as Europe faces mounting external challenges, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, with instability in Paris seen as a potential advantage for Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, both critics of Europe’s unity.