French Premier Set to Face Confidence Vote Next Month
(MENAFN) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou declared Monday that he will seek a parliamentary confidence vote in September, tying his government's future to the approval of a sweeping cost-cutting plan totaling nearly €44 billion ($51 billion) in the 2026 national budget.
Speaking at a press briefing, Bayrou confirmed he had requested the president to summon lawmakers for an exceptional session on September 8—a request that was granted.
With this move, Bayrou's administration is now at risk of collapsing if it fails to secure a majority in the confidence vote.
Key opposition forces have already signaled their rejection of the prime minister's bid. Far-right, left-wing, and green parties took to social media to voice their stance. National Rally leader Marine Le Pen wrote on X, “We will obviously vote against confidence in Francois Bayrou’s government. Only dissolution will now allow the French to choose their destiny.”
Bayrou defended his position, warning that the country faces a dire financial outlook. France, he said, is “in danger” and stands “on the brink of over-indebtedness.” His proposal aims to tighten fiscal policy and rein in the national debt.
He had previously presented the 2026 budget outline to the National Assembly on July 15. The initiative is part of a broader fiscal tightening campaign, as France grapples with a public debt level equal to 113% of its GDP—among the highest in the European Union.
Compounding the challenge is the country’s substantial budget deficit, which currently stands at 5.8%, also one of the highest in the EU.
Opposition lawmakers have lambasted Bayrou’s plan as a continuation of austerity, criticizing it as economically punishing. Budget disputes have long stirred volatility in French politics. Just last December, the failure to pass the 2025 budget triggered the downfall of the Michel Barnier government, after a rare alliance of leftist and far-right parties succeeded in a no-confidence motion.
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