French PM Bayrou Faces No-Confidence Vote Amid Political Turmoil

France is experiencing severe political turmoil as Prime Minister François Bayrou is set to lose a confidence vote in the National Assembly, marking the country's fifth Prime Minister in less than two years under President Emmanuel Macron. Bayrou's austerity budget, aimed at reducing the national debt by cutting government spending by €44 billion, faced overwhelming opposition from all major parties, reflecting deep divisions within the fragmented parliament. The debt crisis is acute, with France's debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 110%, contributing to record-high bond yields and economic uncertainty. Bayrou warned of the heavy burden on future generations and cautioned against taxing the rich excessively, citing potential economic fallout similar to Britain's experience. The political deadlock, along with declining public approval for Macron—who faces calls for resignation—complicates efforts to manage the budget amid growing fears of social unrest and economic decline. This ongoing instability underscores the challenges Macron confronts in addressing France's fiscal crisis and maintaining governance amid global geopolitical tensions.