- September 8, 2025
- 9:44 pm
- Brief news
The Prime Minister of France, François Bayrou, suffered a defeat in the confidence vote held on September 8, 2025, which will further plunge the eurozone’s second-largest economy into political and economic stagnation. The parliament convened for a vote that did not pass, so the prime minister will be obliged to submit a resignation.
The collapse of the minority government could exacerbate France’s problems at a critical moment for Europe, when unity is required amid Russia’s war with Ukraine, China’s rise, and trade tensions with the US.
Economic Consequences
The situation also threatens France’s ability to manage its debts. The risks of a credit rating downgrade are increasing as the bond yield spread, reflecting the risk premium investors demand for acquiring French debt, widens.
The country’s financial condition requires urgent measures. Last year, the budget deficit nearly doubled the level set by the European Union at 3%, and the national debt stands at 113.9% of GDP.
The Vote and Political Reaction
The confidence vote was scheduled for today after debates that began at 4:00 PM Israeli time, with an introductory speech by Prime Minister François Bayrou, followed by speeches from leaders of all political factions. The results were announced at 8:00 PM. Opposition leaders from all political directions declared their intention to continue their plans for Bayrou’s resignation.
“I want to say how glad I am that the government will fall today. This is a relief for many French people,” said Manuel Bompard from the radical left party France Unbowed, with other parties expressing similar sentiments.
The Future of the Government
If Bayrou’s government indeed falls, President Emmanuel Macron will face the task of finding a new prime minister capable of passing the budget through parliament. This will happen less than a year after the resignation of the previous prime minister, Michel Barnier. Macron has already ruled out the possibility of dissolving parliament, as happened last year. France has been in a political crisis since the elections, which led to even greater division in parliament.
Macron has the option to appoint a member of his party or a conservative representative as prime minister, but this would mean repeating steps that did not yield the desired result. A more moderate socialist or technocrat could also be chosen. However, none of the scenarios will lead to the ruling side gaining a parliamentary majority.
General Trends
Since Macron took office as president in 2017, four people have held the position of prime minister. Nevertheless, four of them had to replace each other within a year and a half. Élisabeth Borne held the position from July 2022 to January 2024, Gabriel Attal succeeded her but completed his work in September 2024, while Michel Barnier remained prime minister for only four months until December 2024. Now François Bayrou will vacate his post for the next candidate.
Social Tension and Protests
Social tension in France is also rising. Some anonymous groups online are calling on the French to “block everything” on Wednesday, and unions are planning protests on September 18 against budget cuts.
Macron’s coalition, which lost its majority since 2022, has suffered losses again. The right-wing party “National Rally” has become the leading political force, while the fragmented left-wing coalition, characterized by deep division, was the largest, but neither side has a majority.
“This crisis was provoked and flared up with the support of President Emmanuel Macron and all who served him,” said Marine Le Pen, leader of the “National Rally” parliamentary group, the day before. “Today, France has become the ‘sick man of Europe’ thanks to them.”