France Braces for Political Upheaval as Bayrou Faces Confidence Vote

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE

Article Published on: 08TH SEP 2025 | www.demodemagazine.com

France is heading into deeper political turbulence as Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a crucial confidence vote in parliament on Monday—one he is almost certain to lose. The veteran centre-right politician is the country’s fourth prime minister in just three years, underscoring the fragility of French politics since President Emmanuel Macron’s snap election in 2024 produced a hung parliament.

Macron’s centrist alliance, weakened since 2022, lost further ground as the far-right National Rally became the largest party, while a fractured left-wing coalition formed the biggest bloc. With no majority in sight, governance has stalled.

Bayrou’s attempt to push through a 2026 budget demanding €44 billion in savings triggered fierce opposition, prompting him to gamble on a confidence vote. Lawmakers will convene at 3 p.m. local time, with Bayrou’s speech serving more as a political statement than persuasion. His expected defeat risks worsening France’s fiscal crisis and political instability.