French Prime Minister Bayrou Expected to Lose September Confidence Vote Amid Political Crisis

French President Emmanuel Macron faces a deepening political crisis as Prime Minister François Bayrou, a close ally, risks losing a confidence vote in parliament due to widespread opposition to his unpopular austerity budget aimed at cutting €44 billion in spending. The minority government, already fragile after snap elections failed to produce a clear majority, is on the brink of collapse, with opposition parties from both the far-right and left refusing to support Bayrou's budget and confidence motion scheduled for September 8. Bayrou's gamble to call the vote has intensified political instability, reminiscent of the previous government’s fall less than a year ago, and has rattled financial markets, causing a drop in the Paris stock index and rising borrowing costs. Public dissatisfaction is high, with polls indicating that nearly two-thirds of French voters want the parliament dissolved for new elections amid fears of ongoing chaos. Should Bayrou lose the vote, Macron will face the difficult task of appointing yet another prime minister, marking the third such appointment within a year, while Marine Le Pen and other opposition leaders push for further parliamentary dissolution. Despite mounting pressure, Macron has declared his intention to complete his term through 2027, resisting calls for his resignation.