French opposition parties have stated they will not support Prime Minister François Bayrou after he called for a vote of confidence on September 8 regarding planned budget cuts. Bayrou, who has been leading a minority government since last December, emphasized the importance of the vote, stating that France is facing a 'worrying and therefore decisive moment.' He described the situation as risky but necessary, stating that failing to act would be even riskier given the rising budget deficit.
Opposition members from both the left and the right have lined up against him, including parties such as the National Rally, Socialists, and the Greens. Bayrou called the vote just two days before protests aimed at 'blocking everything' are scheduled to take place in France.
The 'Bloquons tout' movement, which originated on social media and has garnered support from unions and leftist groups, surfaced following Bayrou's announcement of proposed budget cuts nearing €44 billion ($50 billion) in July. In reaction to the announcement of the vote, the French stock exchange's CAC-40 index dipped by 1.59% on Monday and further declined by 2% on Tuesday morning.
Bayrou’s plans also include discussing the potential reduction of two national holidays, as the government seeks to navigate through this budgetary crisis. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has praised Bayrou’s call for a vote, describing it as courageous and democratic. However, the outlook appears grim due to the lack of sufficient support within the National Assembly, leaving Bayrou’s political future precarious.
If Bayrou’s government collapses, President Macron will have to decide whether to maintain him in a caretaker capacity, appoint a new prime minister, or call fresh elections, a decision not to be taken lightly, considering the political landscape he has created, marked by minority governance since last December.
Opposition members from both the left and the right have lined up against him, including parties such as the National Rally, Socialists, and the Greens. Bayrou called the vote just two days before protests aimed at 'blocking everything' are scheduled to take place in France.
The 'Bloquons tout' movement, which originated on social media and has garnered support from unions and leftist groups, surfaced following Bayrou's announcement of proposed budget cuts nearing €44 billion ($50 billion) in July. In reaction to the announcement of the vote, the French stock exchange's CAC-40 index dipped by 1.59% on Monday and further declined by 2% on Tuesday morning.
Bayrou’s plans also include discussing the potential reduction of two national holidays, as the government seeks to navigate through this budgetary crisis. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has praised Bayrou’s call for a vote, describing it as courageous and democratic. However, the outlook appears grim due to the lack of sufficient support within the National Assembly, leaving Bayrou’s political future precarious.
If Bayrou’s government collapses, President Macron will have to decide whether to maintain him in a caretaker capacity, appoint a new prime minister, or call fresh elections, a decision not to be taken lightly, considering the political landscape he has created, marked by minority governance since last December.
