French President Emmanuel Macron is scrambling to appoint a new prime minister after François Bayrou’s government collapsed in a crushing confidence vote, deepening political uncertainty in Paris.
Bayrou, who shocked even allies by calling the vote himself to push through his austerity budget, lost overwhelmingly in the National Assembly yesterday, with 364 deputies voting against him and only 194 in support. The defeat triggered his automatic resignation under Article 50 of the constitution.
The Élysée confirmed Macron would meet Bayrou today “to accept the resignation of his government” and said a new premier would be named “in the next days.” Sources close to the president, however, did not rule out an appointment or even a presidential address as early as today.
Bayrou was Macron’s sixth prime minister since 2017—and the fifth since 2022—making the succession one of the most critical decisions of Macron’s presidency.
Search for a Successor
Macron faces competing pressures in choosing a replacement. The Socialist Party has signaled readiness to form a government under leader Olivier Faure, who told TF1: “It’s time for the left to govern this country again.” But a PS-led administration would likely struggle to survive in parliament.
Trusted cabinet heavyweights like Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin are close to Macron but could be voted out by the left. Lower-profile figures such as Health Minister Catherine Vautrin or Finance Minister Eric Lombard are also under discussion as potential compromise choices.
An Odoxa-Backbone poll for Le Figaro showed 64% of French voters want Macron himself to resign rather than appoint another prime minister—a step he has categorically ruled out. He is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in 2027.
Rising Social and Political Tensions
The government crisis comes amid mounting unrest. Left-wing groups have called for nationwide protests on Wednesday, and trade unions are urging strikes for September 18.
Meanwhile, the 2027 presidential race looms large. Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, was handed a four-year prison sentence (two suspended) in March over a fake jobs scandal at the European Parliament and banned from holding office for five years. Her appeal is set for early 2026, well ahead of the election, potentially reviving her candidacy.
Cheered on by her MPs, Le Pen accused Macron of clinging to power and demanded snap legislative elections, calling them “not an option but an obligation.”
