In an unprecedented move on Monday, French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou was ousted in a historic no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, deepening a mounting political crisis in France.
Bayrou’s budget plan—designed to save billions of euros annually—failed to win a majority, securing just 194 votes out of 558 valid ballots. This marks the first time in the history of the Fifth Republic that a government has fallen during a vote of confidence, underscoring the fierce debate over public spending and debt management.
France’s public debt reached 3,345.8 billion euros (114% of GDP) at the end of Q1 2025, according to official figures. Addressing deputies before the vote, Bayrou warned that the debt burden was "life-threatening" for the nation: "Reality will remain inexorable, spending will continue to rise, and the burden of debt, already unbearable, will grow heavier and more costly," he said, urging lawmakers to "act without delay."
Marine Le Pen, former presidential candidate and leader of the National Rally, seized on the government’s collapse to call for early elections. In a pre-vote speech, she urged President Emmanuel Macron to dissolve the National Assembly: "A fresh mandate is the only way to give French people a real say."
Political analysts warn that the fallout could stall critical reforms and heighten economic uncertainty in one of Europe’s largest economies. With social tensions mounting over proposed cuts, the road ahead looks turbulent.
As France faces this historic upheaval, global observers—from young entrepreneurs to thought leaders—will be watching to see whether Macron opts for new elections or moves to form a new coalition government.
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French parliament ousts prime minister, deepening political crisis
cgtn.com
