Macron faces political crisis as Bayrou resigns after confidence vote defeat

French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing to appoint a new prime minister “in the coming days” after François Bayrou’s government failed to win a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.

Bayrou — who had been in office since January — will step down after only nine months in power. His government secured the backing of just 194 deputies, while 364 voted against or abstained, far exceeding the 288 votes required to trigger a no-confidence outcome, Caliber.Az reports via French media.

Bayrou had called the vote himself in an attempt to strengthen his mandate amid deepening political deadlock over the 2026 budget. His cabinet proposed freezing tax rates, pensions, and social benefits in response to France’s growing public debt — a move that united both the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and the far-right National Rally (RN) in opposition.

Despite holding consultations with political parties across the spectrum, Bayrou was unable to secure sufficient support. His downfall mirrors that of his predecessor, Michel Barnier, who also failed to navigate France’s fractured political landscape.

While Macron has rejected calls for dissolving parliament and holding snap elections — a step favoured by the National Rally — the defeat underscores the prolonged political crisis that has gripped France since 2024.

The turmoil in Paris has also drawn international attention. German daily Berliner Zeitung accused Macron of destabilising Europe and reaching “his political limit.” The newspaper described the French leader as a “lame duck,” arguing that France appears weak while Europe seeks to project strength. It urged Macron to resign, though conceded he is unlikely to do so, leaving the country in uncertainty.

“France continues to stagger — with an uncertain outcome and a president who has long since reached his political limit, plunging Europe into chaos,” the paper concluded.

By Vugar Khalilov