Opposition accuses French president of fueling debt crisis as PM Bayrou faces confidence vote
On September 8, 2025, the France Unbowed (LFI) party, the third largest in the National Assembly, called for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron alongside Prime Minister François Bayrou, who is facing a critical confidence vote, reports 24brussels.
LFI parliamentary leader Mathilde Panot criticized the Macron administration for exacerbating the nation’s economic woes. “The president does not want to change his policies, so we will have to change the president,” Panot asserted, holding Macron’s policies accountable for France’s significant external debt increase, stating that it cost the nation an additional trillion euros.
“Unfortunately, every prime minister who attempts to ‘rescue’ the president will inevitably fail,” warned Panot. She further accused the ruling elite of obstructing ordinary people’s rights to a better life, declaring, “History will record how that greedy oligarchy denies ordinary people the chance to enjoy life.” Addressing Bayrou directly, she criticized him for being part of a political past that no longer serves the public interest.
In a pointed comment directed at the Socialist Party, which has expressed a desire to lead the government, Panot emphasized that there would be “no Unbowed ministers” under the current political landscape.
In reaction, Macron’s party condemned the no-confidence vote against Bayrou and the opposition’s call for early elections. Gabriel Attal, president of the Together for the Republic group, warned that undermining the government would only lead to further instability in France. He claimed that some factions prioritize their interests over the people’s welfare, stating, “Bringing down the government only adds instability to France.”
Attal described the current political environment as “sick with red lines,” which create ongoing deadlock rather than resolution. He expressed discontent with those advocating for new elections, particularly after early legislative elections had previously occurred in the summer of 2024. “It is not the French who must fix Parliament’s problems; it is Parliament that must fix the problems of the French,” he maintained.
Attal called for focusing on the approval of the 2026 budget instead of early elections, emphasizing the “existential risk” posed by potential governmental paralysis should the budget fail to be passed.
