French President Emmanuel Macron is once again under pressure to select a new head of government after lawmakers in the National Assembly voted on Monday to bring down Prime Minister François Bayrou's administration.
According to "Politico" the collapse marks the fifth change of leadership since early 2024, underscoring the deep political deadlock gripping France.
The no-confidence motion succeeded with 364 votes in favor and 194 against, triggered by Bayrou's controversial proposal to cut €43.8 billion from public spending. His plan, which included scrapping two national holidays, was seen by many deputies as too harsh to accept.
According to the Élysée, Macron will meet Bayrou on Tuesday to receive his resignation and is expected to announce a replacement within days. Yet, whoever takes the post will inherit the same fragmented parliament that has repeatedly frustrated government attempts to act decisively.
Options for breaking the impasse remain limited. A technocratic cabinet of senior officials has been discussed, but it would likely face similar obstacles. New elections are also possible, though they risk producing another hung parliament. While Macron could, in theory, resign, his past comments suggest he intends to stay on.
Financial markets are closely monitoring the turmoil, as France's public deficit is forecast at 5.4 percent of GDP this year, alongside a towering national debt of €3.3 trillion. Concerns are mounting over whether the country can enact the reforms needed to stabilize its finances.
Speculation over Bayrou's successor is already circulating in the French press, with names such as Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, and Economy Minister Eric Lombard in the mix. Macron has also urged centrist allies to seek common ground with the Socialist Party, raising the prospect of a broad coalition.
Still, divisions between the Socialists and the conservative Les Républicains remain wide, casting doubt on whether such a coalition could function effectively. Neither side, however, appears eager to risk yet another government collapse or face fresh legislative elections.