French Government Falls After Parliament No-Confidence Vote

French Prime Minister François Bayrou's government was decisively toppled in a confidence vote, plunging France into a deep political crisis and forcing President Emmanuel Macron to seek a fifth prime minister in under two years. Bayrou's attempt to secure parliamentary backing for austerity measures aimed at reducing the national deficit and debt was rejected by a large majority, reflecting strong opposition amid an upcoming 2027 election and widespread discontent with planned spending cuts. The loss raises concerns about legislative deadlock and fiscal paralysis in France, complicating Macron's domestic agenda as he simultaneously leads diplomatic efforts on international crises such as the Ukraine war and tensions in Gaza. Financial markets had largely anticipated the vote's outcome, with modest reactions and expectations of prolonged uncertainty regarding France's fiscal stability and credit rating. Macron retains significant powers over foreign policy and military command but faces increasing challenges in consolidating support at home amid economic pressures and political fragmentation. The resignation of Bayrou marks another setback for Macron’s centrist leadership, highlighting the fragile state of governance in Europe’s second-largest economy.