Political crisis deepens in France, demand for resignation of President Macron after the fall of Bayrou government, third PM’s leave in 12 months

French President Emmanuel Macron suffered a major setback when Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s government fell during a confidence vote in the French Parliament on Monday. Bayrou’s government failed to win the confidence vote. 194 votes were cast in favor of the government, while 364 were cast against it. Now President Emmanuel Macron will have to find a new prime minister for the fourth time in 12 months. Macron’s longtime political ally Francois Bayrou was appointed prime minister in December last year. After the government falls, Bayrou will have to submit his resignation to Macron.

François Bayrou himself presented the no-confidence motion in Parliament. Before the vote, he had appealed to support his efforts to cut public spending and reduce France’s growing debt. Instead, both left-wing and far-right political opponents used this opportunity to topple the government. In his speech to the National Assembly, Bayrou remained adamant that France’s growing public deficit and growing debt are a threat to its future.

Demand for Macron’s resignation
The political crisis in France is deepening after the fall of Bayrou’s government. Immediately after the voting, Mathilde Pannot, head of the far-left France Unbowed party, demanded the resignation of President Macron. Pannot said, we do not want another prime minister who continues with the same policy. Now the real question is the departure of the president, who refuses to respect the will of the people.

Increased pressure on Macron
The demand of the main opposition party has increased the pressure on Macron, who has seen three prime ministers leave power in less than 12 months. The latest crisis began in June 2024, when Macron dissolved the National Assembly in the hope of getting a strong mandate. However, no one got a clear majority in the election. At the same time, both the far-left and far-right parties emerged stronger. Since then, Macron’s centrist government is going through a difficult phase. Meanwhile, opponents found common ground with Bayrou’s bets on budget cuts and a confidence vote.