The French President is confronting another political crisis and will be compelled to select a new prime minister for the fourth time in less than 12 months, following a vote of no-confidence on Monday.
Prime Minister François Bayrou is anticipated to step down after a significant majority voted to remove him from the minority government. The 364–194 vote was prompted by his contentious public spending cuts, aimed at reducing the nation’s debt.
The French President faced a similar situation in December, after a series of resignations throughout the year saw three other prime ministers leave the top position.
The French President is now anticipated to name yet another prime minister, which would be the fifth in less than two years.
France holds the position of Europe’s , but Prime Minister Bayrou contends that the nation is confronting an economic crisis.
However, the centrist leader encountered increasing opposition after presenting proposals to cut the fiscal deficit to 4.6% of GDP next year. These plans aimed to achieve $51 billion in savings through spending reductions, tax increases, and the elimination of two public holidays.
Multiple on Monday observed that France’s public debt reached 114% of its GDP by the close of the first quarter of 2025.
However, the vote of no confidence could signify increased governmental gridlock in France. This occurs as Macron is not only assuming a leading role in opposing Russian President’s war in Ukraine and the existential threats it presents to European allies, but also navigating escalating global instability and tense relations with the U.S. – one of its primary trading partners.
It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Bayrou will resign Monday night or when Macron will publicly address the outcome of the vote.