Macron Expected to Name New French PM After Bayrou Ousted

French President Emmanuel Macron faces a deepening political crisis after Prime Minister François Bayrou's government was ousted in a parliamentary confidence vote, marking France's third government collapse since snap elections last year. Bayrou called the confidence vote to gain support for his austerity budget aimed at reducing France’s ballooning national debt, but the plan was rejected amid a fractured and divided parliament. Bayrou will resign soon, and Macron is set to appoint his fifth prime minister in less than two years, struggling to find a successor capable of navigating the contentious budget challenges and a divided legislature. The political instability comes at a time when France confronts high public debt—the third highest in Europe—and pressing international issues including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Public discontent is high, with polls showing low approval ratings for Macron and calls for his resignation, though he has ruled out stepping down. This ongoing turmoil highlights the difficulties Macron faces in restoring stability and passing critical reforms amid a fragmented political landscape.