French Prime Minister Bayrou Survives No-Confidence Vote

French Prime Minister François Bayrou successfully survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, with support from both the center-left Socialist Party and the far-right National Rally party, which opted not to back the motion proposed by the hard-left France Unbowed party. This marks a fragile political victory for Bayrou, who is navigating significant challenges, including the need to pass the critical 2025 budget, a task that previously led to the downfall of his predecessor. In an effort to secure support, Bayrou made concessions, promising increased healthcare funding and maintaining public education jobs, while also indicating a willingness to revisit pension reforms. The political landscape remains volatile, as the Socialist Party's decision not to support the no-confidence vote has drawn criticism from leftist allies. The government's future hinges on upcoming budget proposals, as Bayrou's administration lacks an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Analysts suggest that while Bayrou may have staved off immediate threats, ongoing instability looms as he faces mounting scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum.