France’s government has collapsed after Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a confidence vote in parliament. The result deepens political instability in Europe’s second-largest economy.
Bayrou’s government was defeated by 364 votes to 194, forcing his resignation. He had gambled on lawmakers supporting his call to slash public spending. Instead, both left-wing and far-right blocs united against him.
This marks the third prime minister ousted in less than a year, leaving President Emmanuel Macron searching once again for a new leader.
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Bayrou was appointed by Macron in December 2024. His exit follows Gabriel Attal’s departure in September 2024 and Michel Barnier’s removal by parliament in December.
Macron’s office confirmed he will accept Bayrou’s resignation and appoint a replacement “in the coming days.” The new prime minister will inherit the same divided parliament that has frustrated Macron’s domestic agenda.
Bayrou’s downfall came from a risky decision. He called a confidence vote to gain support for his tough budget plan.
He proposed cutting €44 billion in spending by 2026.
France’s debt stands at 114% of GDP, or €3.3 trillion.
Interest payments already consume 7% of state spending.
Lawmakers across the spectrum seized the chance to oust him. Bayrou admitted it was a gamble but insisted in his final speech that ignoring France’s debt crisis was “the greatest risk.”
The collapse has also emboldened Macron’s rivals. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for fresh legislative elections, confident her National Rally party could secure a majority.
“A country like France cannot survive with a paper government,” she said, pointing to the global instability of Ukraine, Gaza, and U.S. politics.
Macron still holds strong powers over foreign policy, defense, and the military. However, his ability to govern at home is now severely limited.
Without a majority, Macron’s governments have relied on fragile deals. Opposing blocs cannot govern alone, but they can unite to bring down prime ministers.
The result is paralysis at a time of economic and geopolitical pressure:
Budget deficit at 5.8% of GDP, above EU targets.
Public debt at record levels.
International crises demanding French involvement.
The collapse of France’s government marks another turning point in Macron’s presidency. With Bayrou gone, Macron faces the urgent task of appointing a fourth prime minister in under 12 months.
Yet the deeper challenge remains: governing a divided France burdened by debt, political fragmentation, and global pressures. Until stability returns, the country risks drifting from one crisis to the next.
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