Prime Minister François Bayrou resigned on Tuesday after France’s parliament voted down his government, intensifying pressure on President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a successor amid a worsening political crisis.
Bayrou lost a confidence vote on Monday — one he had himself called — over an austerity budget that sought nearly €44 billion in savings. Deputies in the National Assembly voted 364–194 against the government, forcing Bayrou to step down.
Macron’s office said he had “taken note” of the result and would appoint a new premier “in the coming days”, ending speculation that he might instead dissolve parliament and call snap elections. Bayrou remains caretaker until a replacement is named.
The resignation makes Bayrou the sixth prime minister to leave office under Macron since 2017, and the second in less than a year to fall to a no-confidence vote. His predecessor, Michel Barnier, was ousted in December.
France’s borrowing costs rose above Italy’s on Tuesday, reflecting market unease. Commentators warned that Macron must act quickly to avoid further instability. Libération noted: “Emmanuel Macron is now in the front line to find a solution to the political crisis.”
Speculation over possible successors is intense. Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is considered a strong contender, valued for his loyalty and low-profile approach. Other names include Health Minister Catherine Vautrin, Finance Minister Eric Lombard, and parliament speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet.
The Socialist Party has also signalled readiness to lead a new government, though doubts remain over whether it could command a stable majority.
The crisis stems from the hung parliament produced by the 2024 legislative elections. With unions planning nationwide strikes on 18 September and left-wing groups calling protests as soon as Wednesday, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned that France “needs a prime minister very rapidly” to avoid a power vacuum.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential race, the far-right National Rally sees its strongest opening yet. Party leader Jordan Bardella vowed to oppose any government that does not “break with the politics of the last eight years” and renewed calls for early elections.