France has been plunged into a new political crisis with the defeat of Prime Minister François Bayrou at a confidence vote in the National Assembly.
The defeat – by 364 votes to 194 – means that Bayrou will on Tuesday present his government's resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who must now decide how to replace him.
Macron's office stated this decision would happen in the coming days. Potential options on the table include appointing a new prime minister from the centre-right, pivoting left to work with the Socialist Party, or dissolving parliament to call new elections.
Bayrou's ousting follows his clear failure to rally sufficient support against a backdrop of ongoing financial woes. His administration's proposals, which included drastic cuts such as scrapping national holidays and freezing welfare payments, were met with resistance and were seen as harmful to the population's needs.
Party alignment against him was pronounced, as opposition from both the left and far-right joined forces to oust him. Political analysts view Bayrou's choice to push for a confidence vote prematurely as a significant misstep that ultimately backfired.
As economic challenges loom large, various factions are anticipated to mobilize, with protests planned against Macron's policies from labor unions and other activist groups.
With Bayrou's swift downfall, France is left facing a significant leadership vacuum, leading many to question the future stability of Macron's government as they seek replacements following the prime minister's nine-month term.
