Political Turmoil in France as Bayrou’s Budget Plan Sparks Confidence Vote
French Prime Minister François Bayrou’s announcement of a confidence vote on his budget cuts has triggered a political crisis, leading to speculation about the survival of President Emmanuel Macron’s government, reports 24brussels.
On Monday, Bayrou stunned the nation by proposing a nearly €44 billion reduction in the 2026 French budget, aiming to decrease next year’s budget deficit from a targeted 5.4 percent to 4.6 percent of gross domestic product. However, significant opposition from the National Rally, the far-left France Unbowed, and the center-left Socialists has effectively doomed his plan.
Macron is facing mounting pressure, with his closest allies warned to “be ready” for potential government collapse by September 8, following the confidence vote. Two sources with direct knowledge of discussions with the president revealed that Macron has anticipated the government’s demise.
Despite this, Macron has not indicated a desire for new elections. A presidential adviser remarked that while the president is not “in favor” of a snap vote, he has retained the constitutional authority to dissolve parliament if necessary. Financial institutions and rating agencies have urged the French government to control public spending, raising concerns about the potential for a debt crisis in the eurozone’s second-largest economy.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the confidence vote is critical. Along with the volatility of public perception regarding Macron’s leadership, the political landscape in France remains highly unstable.
