French Prime Minister François Bayrou has announced that he will seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly on September 8, a move that has triggered fierce reactions across the political spectrum and heightened uncertainty in France’s political and financial landscape.
Bayrou’s decision, made public on Monday, comes as he attempts to rally support for his proposed 2026 budget, which includes €44 billion in spending cuts. The Prime Minister is expected to deliver a general policy speech before the vote, which could determine the survival of his government.
Opposition Lines Drawn
The left-wing parties—including La France Insoumise, the Socialist Party, the Greens, and the Communists—have all declared they will vote against Bayrou’s government. The far-right Rassemblement National (RN) has also announced its opposition, with Vice President Sébastien Chenu calling the move “Bayrou’s final maneuver” and predicting “a final failure.” RN leaders are pushing for a dissolution of the Assembly to “give the country a majority.”
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of La France Insoumise, went further, stating that President Emmanuel Macron should resign if Bayrou fails to secure the vote. Mélenchon announced plans to file a new motion to remove Macron, declaring, “The chaos is Macron.”
Place Publique, the party led by Raphaël Glucksmann, also said it would not support Bayrou, accusing him of forcing through austerity measures and warning of a “democratic deadlock.”
Support from the Right
In contrast, Les Républicains have pledged their support. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that voting against Bayrou would be “contrary to the interests of France,” citing the risk of a major financial crisis. “We joined the government to avoid chaos and the far left,” he said. “Voting for the fall of the government would be irresponsible.”
Laurent Wauquiez and Gérard Larcher, leaders of the Republican Right in the Assembly and Senate respectively, are expected to confirm the party’s position in a midday videoconference.
Economic Fallout
The announcement has already rattled financial markets. The Paris Stock Exchange opened sharply lower, with the CAC 40 index down 1.91% by 9:30 a.m., following a 1.59% drop the previous day. Bank stocks were hit hardest, as political instability cast doubt on France’s debt outlook.
Finance Minister Eric Lombard defended the budget cuts, stating on France Inter that “there is room for negotiation on how the effort is shared.” National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet added that “any party aspiring to govern must accept the need to reduce the debt.”
What Comes Next?
With the vote looming, speculation is mounting over possible scenarios. A failed confidence vote could lead to Bayrou’s resignation and potentially a new government or even a dissolution of the Assembly—an option Macron has previously resisted but which Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin admitted “should not be ruled out.”
Meanwhile, the left-wing coalition—excluding Mélenchon and Glucksmann for now—has signaled readiness to take over governance, promising a united candidacy for the 2027 elections.
Bayrou is expected to address union leaders from the CFDT later today in a bid to shore up support. As the countdown to September 8 begins, France braces for a pivotal moment that could reshape its political future.
