French Parliament Ousts Prime Minister François Bayrou in Crisis

The French government has collapsed following a parliamentary vote that ousted Prime Minister François Bayrou after just nine months in office. This decision has plunged the nation into a new political crisis, leaving President Emmanuel Macron scrambling to appoint a successor. Bayrou’s departure marks a significant moment as he becomes the first prime minister in modern French history to be removed through a confidence vote rather than a no-confidence vote.

In a dramatic turn of events, the National Assembly voted with 364 deputies expressing no confidence in Bayrou’s government, while only 194 supported it. Speaker Yael Braun-Pivet stated, “In line with article 50 of the constitution, the prime minister must submit the resignation of his government.” Bayrou plans to submit his resignation on the morning following the vote.

This marks a challenging moment for Macron, who has now seen six prime ministers serve under his administration since he took office in 2017, with five having been appointed since 2022. The timing of this political upheaval is particularly precarious as Macron is currently engaged in diplomatic efforts related to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Bayrou defended his decision to call for the confidence vote, stating, “The biggest risk was not to take one, to let things continue without anything changing… and have business as usual.” He emphasized the urgent need for austerity measures, proposing almost €44 billion in cost savings aimed at reducing France’s debt burden, which he described as “life-threatening.”

In a last-ditch effort to retain his position, Bayrou addressed the Assembly, stating, “You have the power to overthrow the government” but not “to erase reality.” His remarks reflected the gravity of the situation as political tensions continue to rise.

Macron now faces a critical decision: appoint a seventh prime minister to negotiate a potential compromise or call for snap elections to seek a more cooperative parliament. The risk remains that an election may not yield any improvement for Macron’s centre-right bloc, which has struggled in recent parliamentary sessions.

The Socialist Party (PS) has expressed a willingness to lead a new government, but the practicality of such an administration surviving in the current political climate is uncertain. Additionally, prominent right-wing ministers, such as Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, could face opposition from the left, further complicating the political landscape.

Recent polling data reveals a significant decline in Macron’s popularity. An Odoxa-Backbone poll conducted for Le Figaro indicated that 64% of French citizens would prefer Macron to resign rather than appoint a new prime minister. Furthermore, approximately 77% disapprove of his performance, marking his lowest approval rating to date, according to an Ifop poll for Ouest-France.

Amidst this political turmoil, France is also grappling with social tensions. A left-wing collective known as “Block Everything” has called for a day of action on September 18, while trade unions are encouraging workers to strike. This unrest could amplify the challenges facing any new government.

Looking ahead, the political future remains uncertain, especially with the 2027 presidential election approaching. Observers suggest that the far-right, led by Marine Le Pen, may have its best opportunity yet to secure a victory. Le Pen, a three-time presidential candidate for the National Rally (RN), faced legal setbacks earlier this year but remains a formidable figure in French politics. A Paris court has scheduled her appeal for January 13 to February 12, 2026, potentially reviving her presidential ambitions.

Le Pen has urged Macron to consider holding snap elections, asserting that doing so is “not an option but an obligation,” while labeling Bayrou’s administration a “phantom government.” With the political landscape shifting rapidly, all eyes will be on Macron’s next steps and the implications for France’s governance moving forward.